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Congo Peafowl

Afropavo congensis

Did you know?

  • Peafowl belong to the pheasant family.
  • The male (peacock) of this species is up to 28 inches long.
  • Its diet consists mainly of fruits and insects.
  • This bird is monogamous, though detailed mating information from the wild is still needed.
  • A female lays two to four brown eggs, and she’ll incubate (sit on) them for about 28 days.


Shy and Mysterious

These secretive birds live in pairs or small groups on the forest floor. They were finally described as a species in 1936 and even today are difficult to study due to their cautious nature.

A Small Group

Congo peafowl are one of only three species of peafowl. Males are known as peacocks. They are smaller and less known than their Indian and green peafowl cousins, but they still display beautiful fans of tail feathers.

Threat Level

  • Unknown
  • Common
  • Near Threatened
  • Threatened
  • Endangered
  • Critically Endangered
  • Extinct in the Wild

Threatened

The Congo Peafowl faces a high risk of extinction in the wild.

Range

Congo Basin

Habitat

Lowland forests

We care about Congo peafowl

The Saint Louis Zoo supports Congo peafowl at the Bird House. Learn more about how we are helping wildlife around the world.

Dedicated to Conservation

Find this animal in Historic Hill

SAINT LOUIS ZOO ZONE

Historic Hill

Historic Hill is a lovely stroll through one of the oldest parts of the Saint Louis Zoo. From the 1904 World’s Fair Flight Cage to the Spanish architectural flavor of the 1920s in the Bird House, Primate House and Herpetarium to the finishing touches of our thoroughly modern exhibits, this area of the Zoo has a unique ambiance and a nostalgic history that make it a great destination.

Explore Historic Hill