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Peafowls are among the most recognizable bird species, gracing Veli Brijun for over 100 years. Originally from Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent, we now recognize two species: the Indian peafowl (Pavo cristatus) and the green peafowl (Pavo muticus). In India, the peacock is the national bird, symbolizing wealth and power.

Male peafowls are famous for their extravagant tails, adorned with long, colorful feathers with round patterns that they spread during courtship. These feathers are shed annually after the mating season, with new feathers growing in preparation for the next season. Females are less conspicuous, with brown and gray plumage.

Peafowls are omnivores, feeding on seeds, plants, insects, and small reptiles. Despite their exotic appearance, they are not a protected species according to the wildlife protection program.

In Brijuni National Park, peafowls were introduced as exotic animals and have become an attraction for visitors. However, taking and removing peacock feathers from the park is prohibited under the Nature Protection Act of the Republic of Croatia and the Brijuni National Park Regulations.

Visitor Guidelines

We ask visitors to adhere to the rules and not take peacock feathers as souvenirs. Feathers are an important part of the ecosystem, and their removal disrupts the park's balance.

For more information on the rules, please visit our website: https://www.np-brijuni.hr/en/n...

Interesting Facts About Peafowls

• Feather Color: The feathers are not colored by pigment but by structural coloration, creating intense blue, green, and gold hues.
• Genetic Variations: White peafowls exist due to leucism, which is different from albinism.
• Loud Calls: Peafowls are known for their loud calls, especially during the mating season.
• Flying: Although they seem incapable of flight, peafowls regularly fly short distances to escape predators.
• Vibration Sensors: Females have sensors in their crests that detect the vibrations of males' displays.

Sources: "Lost Paradise" by Marija Lenz Guttenberg, Wikipedia, Krešo Krapinec: Wildlife Protection Program, Mental Floss, Treehugger