African peafowl, Mbulu
The Congo peafowl (Afropavo congensis), also known as the African peafowl or mbulu by the Bakôngo, is a species of peafowl native to the Congo Basin. It is one of three peafowl species and the only member of the subfamily Pavoninae native to Africa. The Congo peafowl has also been designated the national bird of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
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DiurnalDiurnal animals are active during the daytime, with a period of sleeping or other inactivity at night. The timing of activity by an animal depends ...
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OmnivoreAn omnivore is an animal that has the ability to eat and survive on both plant and animal matter. Obtaining energy and nutrients from plant and ani...
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TerrestrialTerrestrial animals are animals that live predominantly or entirely on land (e.g., cats, ants, snails), as compared with aquatic animals, which liv...
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OviparousOviparous animals are female animals that lay their eggs, with little or no other embryonic development within the mother. This is the reproductive...
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PrecocialPrecocial species are those in which the young are relatively mature and mobile from the moment of birth or hatching. Precocial species are normall...
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CongregatoryCongregatory animals tend to gather in large numbers in specific areas as breeding colonies, for feeding, or for resting.
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ArborealArboreal locomotion is the locomotion of animals in trees. In habitats in which trees are present, animals have evolved to move in them. Some anima...
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TerritorialA territory is a sociographical area that which an animal consistently defends against the conspecific competition (or, occasionally, against anima...
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MonogamyMonogamy is a form of relationship in which both the male and the female has only one partner. This pair may cohabitate in an area or territory for...
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Not a migrantAnimals that do not make seasonal movements and stay in their native home ranges all year round are called not migrants or residents.
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starts withThe male (peacock ) of this species is a large bird of up to 64–70 cm (25–28 in) in length. Though much less impressive than its Asiatic cousins, the male's feathers are nevertheless deep blue with a metallic green and violet tinge. It has bare red neck skin, grey feet, and a black tail with fourteen tail feathers. Its crown is adorned with vertical white elongated hair-like feathers. The female (peahen ) measures up to 60–63 cm (24–25 in) in length and is generally a chestnut brown bird with a black abdomen, metallic green back, and a short chestnut brown crest. Both sexes resemble immature Asian peafowl, with early stuffed birds being erroneously classified as such before they were officially designated as members of a unique species.
Congo peafowl are endemic to the Central Congolian lowland forests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. They live in primary and secondary forests in Salonga National Park.
Congo peafowl usually spend their time singly or in small family groups that consist of a mated pair and their young. These birds are very territorial especially during the breeding season. During the day they spend their time feeding on the ground and at night gather to roost on tree brunches or low brushes. In order to communicate with each other, Congo peafowls fan their tail feathers and produce loud calls. The males of the species have a high-pitched ‘gowe’ calling noise while the females emit a low ‘gowah’. They also perform loud duets consisting of ‘rro-ho-ho-o-a’ from both sexes.
Congo peafowl are omnivores. Their diet consists mainly of fruits and insects, spiders, mollusks, and worms.
Congo peafowl are monogamous and form pairs. Their breeding season takes place between March and November. During this time males fan their beautiful tail feathers in order to attract females. Females lay 2-4 eggs and incubate them for about 26-28 days. Both parents take part in raising their young. The male always stays close to the nest guarding the female. The chicks hatch precocial and can walk as soon as they are born. Both parents provide food for their young. Fledging typically occurs 1 month after hatching and the young become reproductively mature by 2 years of age.
The main threats to Congo peafowl include habitat loss caused by mining, shifting cultivation, and logging. The birds also suffer from hunting and are often captured in snares set for small mammals and antelope.
According to IUCN Red List, the total population size of the Congo peafowl is 3,500-15,000 individuals. Currently, this species is classified as Near Threatened (NT) on the IUCN Red List and its numbers today are decreasing.
Social animals are those animals that interact highly with other animals, usually of their own species (conspecifics), to the point of having a rec...