Portuguese 
English 
Spanish 
4 min of reading 
0 comments 
An unusual situation transformed the routine of Punta Marina, a small coastal town in the region of Ravenna, in northern Italy. Since the beginning of 2026, residents have been living with a growing population of peacocks that roam freely through streets, gardens, parking lots, and rooftops, causing a mix of enchantment, disruptions, and debates on how to deal with the animals.
The case gained international attention in May 2026 after reports from the AFP agency and European media outlets showed the impact of the birds’ presence in the city.
What was an attraction became a problem
The peacocks have been part of the landscape of Punta Marina for decades and were mainly seen in the pine areas near the municipality. However, according to residents and local authorities interviewed by AFP in May 2026, the bird population has grown significantly in recent years.
Although there is still no official census completed, estimates cited by the Ravenna City Hall and residents suggest that the number of peacocks increased from about 10 individuals in 2018 to approximately 40 in 2023, reaching around 120 animals in 2026.
-
Criciúma bets on technology to become a national reference in smart city
-
Child marriage is on the rise again in Gaza: at least 400 girls aged 14 to 16 received authorization to marry in four months, and the UN warns that the collapse of records may hide an even greater crisis.
-
End of the diesel era on the roads? Spanish manufacturer introduces a rival with over 1,000 km range and refueling in just 10 minutes, powered by hydrogen.
-
At just 15 years old, having studied on his own since he was 13, a young Brazilian hacker will represent Brazil in an international cybersecurity olympiad in Tunisia against students from 22 countries.
With the population increase, the birds began to occupy more and more urban areas, becoming a constant presence on the city streets.
Cries during the early morning disturb residents’ sleep
Complaints intensified during the European spring of 2026, a period that corresponds to the peacocks’ breeding season.
During this time, males emit loud calls to attract females, especially during the early morning and the first hours of the morning. Residents report that the sounds have become frequent and directly affect the rest of those living in areas closest to the bird concentration.
In interviews given to AFP, residents stated that the constant noise has caused sleepless nights and increased dissatisfaction among part of the population.
Scratched cars increase the outrage
Besides the noise, the animals have also become associated with material damage.
According to reports from residents released by AFP and the Italian press in May 2026, the peacocks frequently climb onto parked vehicles and can scratch the paint or windows while attacking their own reflected image.
The behavior is known to wildlife experts and occurs because some birds interpret the reflection as the presence of a rival, reacting territorially, especially during the breeding season.
Because of this, some residents have started avoiding parking their cars in areas where peacocks are known to roam more frequently.
City divided between admirers and critics
The presence of the peacocks has generated opposing opinions among the inhabitants of Punta Marina.
Some residents consider the animals a local symbol and an attraction capable of drawing tourists to the city. Local merchants claim that the peacocks are already part of the municipality’s visual identity and spark visitors’ curiosity.
On the other hand, residents affected by the noise, dirt, and material damage advocate for measures to reduce the population or relocate some of the birds to more suitable areas.
Why did the peacocks invade the city?
According to ornithologist Rosario Balestrieri from the Anton Dohrn Zoological Station in Naples, the peacocks found favorable conditions for survival and reproduction in the urban area.
According to the expert, the pine forests near the city continue to serve as the birds’ natural habitat, but the food supply provided by residents and tourists has contributed to them frequenting urban areas more and more.
Additionally, within the city, peacocks encounter fewer natural predators, such as foxes, a factor that favors population growth.
Authorities try to find a solution
The Ravenna City Hall has been trying to find a solution to the problem for a few years. An attempt to relocate the animals was discussed in 2022 but faced resistance from animal protection groups.
In 2024, the municipality launched educational campaigns advising residents and tourists not to feed the peacocks. Now, the authorities are working on conducting an official census to determine the exact number of birds present in the region and assess possible management measures.
There have also been proposals for the adoption of the animals by residents of other regions of Italy as a way to reduce the concentration of the species in Punta Marina.
Case draws world attention
Although it has become a curiosity for tourists and social media users, the case of Punta Marina highlights the challenges that can arise when wild animal populations grow uncontrollably in urban areas.
While authorities seek alternatives to manage the situation, the city remains divided between those who see the peacocks as a local heritage and those who find coexistence increasingly difficult.
Be the first to react!