Congo Peafowl
Congo peafowl is one of the most beautiful and large species of peafowl birds. These stunning birds are native to the Congo basin. The scientific name of congo peafowl is Afropavo congensis. As congo peafowls are the national bird of Africa, they can also be known as African peafowl. You can find African peafowl birds in the lowland forest of the congo democratic republic.
They are also great family pets due to their colorful looks. You will surely get attracted to them after seeing their appearance. However, African peafowls might not be a good choice for people who want to own a friendly bird. To get more detailed information about these African peafowls such as their colors, size, and population, don’t forget to read the article below.
Key Features:
Name:
Congo Peafowl
Other Names:
African Peafowl, Mbulu
Origin:
Popularity:
Rarest Peafowl Breed
Size:
Medium-Sized Bird
Lifespan:
10-45 Years
Adaptability:
Kids Friendly:
Other Pets Friendly:
Affection Level:
Intelligence
Energy Level:
Origin:
The origin of African peafowl is the democratic republic of Congo. These birds can also be seen in different African states. It is the only peafowl species that is native to Africa and one of the three species that are still in existence.
Population:
There is no exact figure for the population of African peafowls, however, their population is between five thousand and fifteen thousand according to the IUCN Red List. The adult peafowl of this species are ten thousand while the rest are peachicks. In terms of population, these birds are very few compared to green and Indian peafowl.
The population of African peafowl is declining every year. The reason could be habitat loss or hunting. Moreover, on the IUCN Red List, these birds are listed as vulnerable like green peafowl. The pressure of hunting also threatens peafowl birds. Every year around 15 to 20 birds get caught in human traps.
Price:
Prices of African peafowl birds are different in different places. Their prices also depend on the seller and the bird’s age. Overall, African peafowl are expensive birds due to their rarity. However, a baby peafowl will be cheaper than an adult peafowl. Moreover, buying a group of peafowls may cost less than a single bird.
| Congo Peafowl | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Congo peahen | $250 to $500 |
| Congo peacock | $250 to $500 |
| Congo peachick | $100 to $120 |
History:
This national bird of Africa is also called Mbulu by the Bakongo or African peafowl. In 1913, the search for the African peafowl bird began with the finding of a single feather. After 23 years, in 1936, Dr. Chapin discovered these African birds in the Congo democratic public forest. These newly discovered birds had long reddish brown feathers.
However, Dr. Chapin could not recognize the peafowl species at first sight. Before that, he has never seen a peafowl bird with long reddish brown feathers. After discovering an African peafowl bird, Dr. Chapin went to the royal museum and compared the African peafowl with his previously discovered Indian peafowl and found that both birds were different. In 1955, Dr. Chapin explored seven more specimens of the African peafowl species.
Male & Female Congo Peafowl:
Both male and female peafowl of the congo species are astonishing and colorful. However, the Congo peacocks are larger and more colorful than the Congo peahen. In terms of body size, they are different from each other. You can easily recognize them by knowing little about their body shapes, Peafowl colors, and sizes.
Appearance of Congo Peacock
Congo peacock has a red bare throat with gray bills. They have longer tails than female birds. Their plumage is deep blue with a green or violet tinge. These male birds have dark brown eyes, and their legs are blue-gray. Additionally, there is a small red patch on the neck of the male bird.
Size
The body size of male peafowl is bigger than female peafowl. The height of a male bird is 63 to 73 cm. They weigh between 1.5 and 2.5 kg. Their body length is 60 to 70 cm. Moreover, the length of the wings is 310-330 mm, their front crest is 90 mm long and the tail will be 200-240 mm.
Colors
The Congo peacock comes in copper, brown, green, yellow, blue, and golden. They also consist of different bright colors that appear on their overall body. Congo peacock plumage is deep blue and the tip of the tail is violet blue.
Appearance of Congo Peahen
These female birds might be smaller and not as colorful as male birds, but still, their overall appearance looks stunning. Congo peahen comes with a brown and glossy-green body. They have short tails and their eyes are brown like male peafowl. Congo Peahens’ feet are gray, and they have a crest of short brown feathers.
Size
The congo peahen weighs between 1.5 and 2 kg. The height of the female bird is 63 to 71 inches while their body length is 58 to 67 cm. Additionally, the tail of the congo peahen measures between 190 and 225 in length while its tarsus is 80 to 90 mm.
Colors
The color of the peahen neck describes its actual color which can be yellow, brown, green, and blue. However, you may see different colors on their overall body. The upper tail of Congo peahen is black with a green tip while the lower part is black with brown and green. On the top of the head, they have a brown crest.
| Measurements | Congo Peahen | Congo Peacock |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 3.31-4.41 lbs (1.5-2 kg) | 3.31-5.51 lbs (1.5-2.5 kg) |
| Height | 25-28 Inches (63.5-71.12 cm) | 25-29 Inches (63.5-73.66 cm) |
| Length | 22.83-26.77 Inches (58-67 cm) | 23.62-27.56 Inches (60-70 cm) |
Diet:
Like other species of peafowl, these birds are omnivores which means their diet consists of both meat and plant-based foods. The plant-based food that they often eat includes leaves, seeds, grains, berries, grasses, etc. Berries are the favorite food of both peacocks and peahen. Additionally, they eat insects, snakes, fruits, vegetables, and eggs.
Caring Tips for Congo Peafowls:
Environment
These birds live happily when they are allowed to roam. You should give a large space to your peafowls so they can live freely. The home backyard is the best place to keep African peafowls. You can also keep them in a big cage or shelter but make sure to get a big cage so they can roam comfortably.
Grooming
Nail trimming, bathing, and wing clipping are included in these birds grooming. Make sure to hire a professional groomer for your bird grooming. Nail trimming should be done every week. Bathing depends on the activities of your peafowl but you can bathe them once a month. Moreover, use scissors for your peafowl wing clipping, and clip every primary feather about 1/4 inch from its feather base.
Healthy Diet
These peafowls require a healthy diet to stay healthy. However, they may not get healthy food in captivity, but these birds should be fed a nutritious diet when they live as pets. A game bird or pheasant diet is recommended for these African peafowls. You can also discuss their diet plan with a veterinarian.
Congo Peafowl as Pets:
These peafowl are independent birds that can also become great family pets. They can be kept in the backyard. African peafowl need specialized care, including a large living area, regular grooming, dietary attention, and health care.
Congo peafowls are a good choice pet if you want to keep a colorful bird in your home. But, they are not friendly and will not give the same companionship as other pets. Additionally, they may become aggressive and can damage your household items or scratch your car.
Lifespan:
These birds live around 15 to 20 years on average. The Congo peacock lives longer than the Congo peahen. Along with that, both peacocks and peahens live longer in captivity than in forests. Here is a comparison of their lifespan in captivity and wildlife.
| Gender | Lifespan in Captivity | Lifespan in Wildlife |
|---|---|---|
| Congo peahen | 30 to 40 years | 10 to 20 years |
| Congo peacock | 35 to 45 years | 10 to 25 years |
Lifespan in Captivity
The reason behind the longer life of African peafowl in captivity is due to better care, a safe environment, and grooming. They might live even shorter than wildlife if their owner keeps them in the backyard without caring for them. A better care routine will surely give them a life of 40 to 45 years.
Lifespan in Wildlife
A completely different life Congo peafowls live in wildlife where no one cares about them. They are often caught in human traps and many wild animals target them. These birds would be lucky if they lived even for 20 years in wildlife.
Vocalization:
The vocalization of African peafowl is often heard at night as they communicate through their vocalization. The vocal sound of Peafowl seems like a horse cry. The congo peacock vocalization is described as “gowe-gowah” or “rro-ho-ho-o-a”.
The congo peahen sound is described as “hej-hoh-hej-hoh”. Additionally, you may hear some other sounds of African peafowl according to different situations. The Congo peacock releases a sound like “hoot-dash” when he invites Congo peahen for mating.
FAQs:
Can peafowl fly?
African peafowls are considered flying birds as they cover a long distance by flying. However, they can’t fly high like other birds including falcons. eagle, crow, etc.
Are Congo peafowls rare?
African peafowl are rare birds due to their small population. Additionally, their population is decreasing over time, which makes it even harder to find them.
What distinguishes Indian and African peafowls from one another?
African peafowls have shorter feathers than Indian ones. Additionally, the tail of African peafowl is shorter and less elaborate than Indian peafowl.
Who discovered the African peafowl?
The African peafowl was discovered by Dr.Chapin in 1936. He also explored seven other specimens of this species.
Can African peafowl live alone?
African peafowl often live in small groups and can feel lonely if kept alone. If you are going to own them, make sure to get 2 or 3 birds.
Conclusion:
African peafowls are one of the astonishing birds that can live with humans as well as in wildlife. The male birds of this species look more charming and larger than female birds. However, The colorful appearance of African peafowl attracts everyone but their un-friendly nature may disappoint people. Moreover, these peafowl are long-living birds that can stay in your backyard for 40 years.
