Peacock ‘invasion’ of Italian seaside town ruffles feathers
Punta Marina, a seaside town in Italy, has seen a significant increase in its peacock population since the Covid pandemic. While some residents enjoy the presence of the birds, others are frustrated by their noise and mess. Local authorities have appointed 'peacock rangers' to manage the situation and address community concerns.
- ▪The peacock population in Punta Marina has grown from an estimated 10 in 2018 to about 120 today.
- ▪Residents have mixed feelings about the peacocks, with some enjoying their presence while others complain about noise and hygiene issues.
- ▪The peacocks were likely introduced to the area by a resident over 20 years ago, and their numbers surged during the Covid lockdown.
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The Punta Marina peacocks started roaming the streets during Covid and now seem there to stay. Photograph: Nicolas BrunettiView image in fullscreenThe Punta Marina peacocks started roaming the streets during Covid and now seem there to stay. Photograph: Nicolas BrunettiItalyPeacock ‘invasion’ of Italian seaside town ruffles feathersWith Punta Marina residents loving or loathing the incomers, ‘peacock rangers’ have been appointed to defuse tensionsAngela Giuffrida in Punta Marina. Sat 16 May 2026 08.00 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleFederico Bruni was sitting on a bench, eating a piadina romagnola (flatbread sandwich) and minding his own business, when a peacock strutted up in the hope of a few crumbs.
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