They aren’t native Florida birds, but they sure are pretty. I’m talking about peafowl.
That’s the name for birds that I grew up calling peacocks – but only the male peafowl are called that. The females are called peahens, and their babies are called peachicks.
I got to see all three of the different types of peafowl when I visited Magnolia Park in Apopka. One part of the park is along the shore of Lake Apopka. Another part of the park is across the street – and that’s where the peafowl family was hanging out.
I was drawn across the street after hearing a familiar bird call that I couldn’t quite identify. I know I had heard it before but couldn’t remember what bird it belonged too. As soon as I saw the first peafowl it hit me — that’s the call I’ve heard numerous times over the years when visiting zoos.
Yes, peafowl are in zoos but they are also in lot of different parts of Florida. The state fish and wildlife commission says, “Peafowl are classified as a domestic species in Florida. Peafowl have become established in municipalities across the state by escaping from properties or by being released.”
I had seen peacocks and peahens before but never peachicks. I saw a mom with three of them walking around the park. They were super cute with their little feather crests on top of their heads.
