Congo Peafowl (Afropavo congensis)

Other Names: Congo Peacock

Subspecies: None recognized.

Range: The Congo Basin in central Zaire (now known as Democratic Republic of the Congo).

Habitat: Rainforests

Description: The males are mostly dark blue all over with a metallic green and purple tinge, and have a much shorter tail (with no ocelli) than the Asian species. The upright crest is white in front with a few dark feathers behind. The throat is reddish-brown. The hen is also very different from Asian peafowl. She has a bright chestnut breast, underparts and forehead, while the back is metallic green.

Status in Wild: Unknown

Interesting Facts: Not known to science until the 1930s. This species shows characteristics of both peafowl and guineafowl, perhaps a historic link between the two families.

Misc. Aviculture Notes: In captivity, they are known to lay their small clutches of 2 to 4 eggs in an elavated nest box or on platforms placed about five feet from the ground. Incubation lasts about 26 days incubated by only the female. Chicks rely heavily on insects as their diet for the first week of life. Females reach sexual maturity the first year for females and males nearly two; adult plumage is not attained until the second year.