Residents of Punta Marina, a small seaside town on Italy's Adriatic coast, are divided over an influx of peacocks that have made the area their home. The birds, estimated to number around 120, roam freely through gardens, perch on rooftops, and even tap on car windows, causing both delight and frustration among the town's approximately 1,000 inhabitants.
Some locals, like holiday homeowner Federico Bruni, see the peacocks as part of the town's fabric. 'It's no different to seeing a cat, really,' he said. Others, however, complain about the mess and noise. Francesco, who preferred not to give his surname, said the birds leave excrement on his balcony and their mating calls keep people awake at night. His relative Marco added, 'Each time I come to Francesco's home, I tread on peacock poo outside. It's unhygienic; the peacocks need to be contained.'
The peacock population has grown rapidly since the Covid-19 lockdowns in 2020, when the birds roamed freely and were fed by residents. Ornithologist Rosario Balestrieri noted that the pine forest provides an ideal habitat, and supplementary feeding has encouraged steady growth. An attempt to relocate the birds in 2022 was opposed, and the Ravenna city council has enlisted the voluntary animal rights association Clama to promote harmony.
Clama has produced leaflets and put up signs urging residents and tourists not to feed the peacocks. The council faces a dilemma as tensions rise, with some residents calling for containment while others advocate for the birds' protection. The peacocks' presence has sparked a media frenzy, though local police say reports of an 'invasion' threatening public health are exaggerated.
