Congo peacock

bird

Also known as: Afropavo congensis

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Last updated

June 24, 2026

Quick Summary

The Congo peacock (Afropavo congensis) is a bird species native to the forested interior of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is the only large phasianid bird found in Africa.1

This species is smaller than the more widely known blue and green peafowl, with adults typically measuring between 25 to 28 inches in length. The male Congo peacock is characterized by its blue and green plumage and a short, rounded tail, while the female is reddish and green with a brown topknot.1

The Congo peacock is classified as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to hunting and habitat loss, with fewer than 10,000 adults remaining.1

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Antwerp Zoo
…then newly discovered okapi and Congo peafowl. In 1936 the zoo acquired 36 hectares (90 acres) in Planckendael on which it later developed a breeding station for endangered species such as the bongo antelope and Indian rhinoceros.
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…then newly discovered okapi and Congo peafowl. In 1936 the zoo acquired 36 hectares (90 acres) in Planckendael on which it later developed a breeding station for endangered species such as the bongo antelope and Indian rhinoceros.
Read More

galliform
Care of the young
Even the Congo peacock (Afropavo congensis), a relatively large species, is able to reproduce at one year of age when reared in captivity.
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Even the Congo peacock (Afropavo congensis), a relatively large species, is able to reproduce at one year of age when reared in captivity.
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peacock
The Congo peacock (Afropavo congensis), which inhabits the forested interior of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was discovered in 1936 after a search that began in 1913 with the finding of a single feather.
Read More
The Congo peacock (Afropavo congensis), which inhabits the forested interior of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was discovered in 1936 after a search that began in 1913 with the finding of a single feather.
Read More