FEATURES

Peafowl Invasive Species Grow In Miami-Dade County

How Has The Peacock Population Growth Impacted Miami?

Andres Fernandez, Writer • 156 Views

October 1, 2026

A male peacock, characterized by its green and blue feathers, rest on a tree branch in front of the St. Kieran’s rectory.

Florida’s Invasive Species

Australian Pinecone

Australian Pinecones at the back of the Immaculata La-Salle senior-junior bay parking lot. (Andres Fernandez)

An Australian native species introduced in the 1890’s is a common invasive species to Florida. Growing over 150 meters tall, they are known for their needle like branches and cone-shaped flower clusters. The FWC (Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission) labels them as a threat to native species because of its outperformance compared to Florida native species. Because of shallow root systems, they tend to uproot and topple in high winds and pose a significant hazard to coastal evacuation zones.

Green Iguanas

FWC Photo by Andy Wraithmell (Andy Wraithmell)

Green Iguanas are not native to Florida and are considered invasive species because of the impact they have on native wildlife. Male iguanas can grow up to almost five feet in length and weight around 17 pounds. Iguanas are not protected under the Florida Anti-Cruelty law therefore residents can remove them and even humanely kill them without facing consequences. Green Iguanas pose a threat to humans as their droppings might contain salmonella and other bacteria harmful to humans. They can also cause damage to infrastructure like eroding side walks or streets.

Schefflera/Umbrella Tree

Mature Schefflera/Umbrella tree invasive species to Florida in Coral Gables, Florida neighborhood makes presence amongst native tree species. (Andres Fernandez)

The Umbrella tree is considered a category I invasive species in Florida since it is not as harmful as the previous invasive species. Its leaves have an umbrella-like appearance. It’s considered an invasive species because of the abundance in seeds that birds and small animals disperse after they eat the fruit from the tree. Additionally, mature trees create roots that can overpower other plant systems or even infrastructure.

Peacocks, also referred to as peafowl, came to Miami in the 1920’s and 30’s from India and Sri Lanka as the latest yard ornament wealthy land owners could acquire. Coconut Grove is known for being home to many of these nonnative birds. As time passed by, some of these birds procreated and escaped or freed themselves into the wild which led to the massive growth in their population as well as migration to other neighborhoods like Pinecrest and Coral Gables.

But peafowls are not just a pretty invasive species. For some residents, peafowl means loud sounds early in the morning, roof stomping, and even car scratching which disturbs and creates debate over the presence of peacocks in the neighborhood.

“Those peacocks screaming early in the morning and scratching cars are the worst thing. It’s so disturbing and annoying. I really don’t like them,” said Fr. Jesus Ferras.

On the other hand, some other residents are deep admirers for this unique feathered species and in fact, they see benefits to their presence. Coconut Grove resident and ILS junior, Barbara Espinal, shared her opinion with the Royal Courier.

“I like how pretty they are and how unique they make the neighborhood. The city shouldn’t get rid of them, I would rather have a pack of peacocks than all the iguanas in Miami.”

A female peahen walks enjoys an afternoon walk on the wet grass near a Coconut Grove sidewalk. (Andres Fernandez)

Unlike other invasive species, peacocks don’t pose a threat to other ecosystem or wildlife native to Florida and are protected under the Florida anti-cruelty law which impedes residents or municipalities to harm, abuse, or kill them. “The FWC (Florida Fish & Wildlife Commission) considers peafowl as domestic species like chickens or Guinea fowl.

“FWC does not manage this nonnative species and it is up to private landowners or local municipalities to safely remove or manage them in accordance with any local laws and the Florida anti-cruelty law,” said Media Officer at the FWC, Ms. Lisa Thompson.

Coconut Grove is known for having a cultural identity in peacocks, for example, most people believe that iconic landmarks like Peacock Park are named after the bird, but in fact it’s named after homesteaders and Coconut Grove pioneers Charles and Isabella Peacock who arrived in the 1870’s. Without considering the history, cultural identity, or anti-cruelty laws in South Florida, peacocks are a unique sight to any neighborhood and in comparison to other Florida invasive species, they do not pose a threat to the balance of wildlife or ecosystems in the region.

Donate to Royal Courier

$345

$500

Contributed

Our Goal

Your donation will support the student journalists of Immaculata-La Salle High School. Your contribution will allow us to purchase equipment and cover our annual website hosting costs.

About the Contributor

Andres Fernandez, Writer

Andres Fernandez, a junior, is starting his first year in the Royal Courier. Born and raised in Bogota, Colombia, he has been playing tennis since he was six-years-old, enjoys cooking, and values quality time with friends and family.