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Congo Peafowl

Afropavo congensis

Near Threatened
Wingspan
59.4 cm
Weight
1281.25 g
Family
Phasianidae
Order
Galliformes

About

Africa's only true peafowl (~1.28 kg), family Phasianidae, restricted to lowland rainforests of the Congo Basin. Males are deep iridescent blue-green with a white crown tuft; females are chestnut and green. Feeds on fruits, seeds, and invertebrates. Near Threatened from ongoing deforestation.

Physical Description

Measurement Value Imperial
Wingspan 59.4 cm 23.4 in
Weight 1281.25 g 45.19 oz

Identification

Plumage

Male iridescent dark green and blue-violet with short rounded tail; white-tufted bare red throat; black undertail. Female mottled rufous-brown and black above; rufous-chestnut below; white throat tufts smaller.

Habitat & Range

Geographic Range

Endemic to lowland and montane rainforest in the Democratic Republic of Congo, mainly in Ituri and Kasai regions, below 1,200 m.

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous; forages on Congo rainforest floor for fruits, seeds, invertebrates, and small animals.

Conservation Status

Near Threatened
IUCN Red List

Behavior & Breeding

Nesting

Nest type: PL. Incubation: 25-28 days.

Clutch Size

2-6

Sound

Song

Loud, resonant 'kwa-HOO-kwa' calls from Congo rainforest; somewhat turkey-like and carrying. Alarm is a harsh barking cackle. Congo basin endemic; calls at dawn and dusk from dense forest floor.

Taxonomy

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Galliformes (Gamebirds)
Family Phasianidae (Pheasants & Partridges)
Genus Afropavo
Species Afropavo congensis

Distribution

Congo Peafowl has been recorded in 1 countries.

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Present Not recorded
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countries highlighted

External Databases

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Congo Peafowl eat?
Omnivorous; forages on Congo rainforest floor for fruits, seeds, invertebrates, and small animals.
Where does the Congo Peafowl live?
Endemic to lowland and montane rainforest in the Democratic Republic of Congo, mainly in Ituri and Kasai regions, below 1,200 m.
Is the Congo Peafowl endangered?
The Congo Peafowl has a conservation status of Near Threatened.
How does the Congo Peafowl nest?
Nest type: PL. Incubation: 25-28 days.
What does the Congo Peafowl sound like?
Loud, resonant 'kwa-HOO-kwa' calls from Congo rainforest; somewhat turkey-like and carrying. Alarm is a harsh barking cackle. Congo basin endemic; calls at dawn and dusk from dense forest floor.
How big is the Congo Peafowl?
The Congo Peafowl has a wingspan of 59.4 cm, weight of 1281.25 g.
What order and family does the Congo Peafowl belong to?
The Congo Peafowl (Afropavo congensis) belongs to the order Galliformes and the family Phasianidae.

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