ORLANDO, Fla. – Dozens of wild peacocks are disrupting daily life at the Villas at Costa del Sol in Orlando, where residents say the birds are damaging property and creating safety concerns.
According to residents, the problem started years ago when a neighbor introduced two peacocks to the community. The birds have reproduced annually, leading to the current population explosion and mounting problems for homeowners.
“There’s feces everywhere and the kids play in the ground, you know that has so much bacteria, so that’s one of the things we’re worried about. They go after the kids, like if the kids were with their family and they’re playing, they just run after them,” says Maria Calderon, volunteer HOA president.
[VIDEO BELOW: Peacock found dead in Orange County neighborhood]
The peacocks also damage residents’ cars. They see their reflection in dark shiny vehicles, mistake it for a rival bird, and try to fight. One resident invested thousands of dollars in car repairs before ultimately switching to a lighter-colored vehicle to avoid further damage.
“They scratch your car because they think they’re fighting,” said the resident, who didn’t want his name in the news. “All I hear is THUD THUD THUD cause they’re pecking it with their beak, and they go to the other side of the car cause they think they’ll get to that other bird. And then they’re not just pecking at it, they’re jumping up and they’re scratching it.”
The birds’ impact extends beyond vehicles. Victor, a resident who works from home, reports significant property damage and daily disruptions.
[2021 VIDEO BELOW: Peacock believed shot to death in Palm Bay]
“I’m missing part of my screen because one of them got in there and I guess got a little upset or scared and they smashed in there,” Victor says. “They’re constantly on the roof, I had to replace two tiles already over time.”
Orange County, the city of Orlando, and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission all said that peacock removal is the residents’ responsibility. However, the community has struggled to find practical solutions.
“We have tried to call everybody: government agencies, private vendors,” saisd Calderon.
The community has been unable to secure trappers willing to handle the situation or facilities capable of accepting such a large number of wild birds.
As the peacock population continues to grow, Costa del Sol residents feel helpless and unsure what can be done about their feathered neighbors.