On March 18, 2020 the Mayor and City Commission requested a referral to the Neighborhood and Quality of Life Committee to discuss options available to humanely manage the peafowl population affecting specific neighborhoods within the boundary limits of the City of Miami Beach. Peafowl is a non-native Florida species, the relocation, as necessary will occur in a manner that does not physically injure or harm the peafowl.   

At current the Property Management Department is collaborating with the Communications Department to develop a peafowl census to capture data regarding the population and location of peafowl flocks. This survey will allow residents to describe their concerns regarding peafowl population in reference to their neighborhoods, any disturbances caused by peafowl such as noisy calls, excessive animal waste and damage to private property. The census is being promoted via Nextdoor, Home Owners Associations’ (HOAs) communications, and social media.  

Based on the survey results, the Department will address hotspot areas with a programmed maintenance peafowl management plan. The plan will encompass strategic relocation of a percent of the peafowl population based on previous year’s growth and resident’s complaints. Public education via the City website will also be available to residents to educate them on:

-       Peafowl Census

-       Selection of Trapping Vendor

-       Seasonal Trapping

-       Trapping Protocol

-       Relocation

The Department has been in communications with Neighborhood Enhancement Team (NET) from the City of Miami for their guidance in the peafowl management plan they have successfully implemented. They have shared with us the City of Rancho Palos Verdes Peafowl Management Plan (Exhibit A) that has served as a guide for their own plan. The plan is both comprehensive and detailed as to how they have successfully been able to manage the peafowl population. The highlights of the plan include:

-  Humane trapping and relocation of up to 150 birds per calendar year

- Educational guide for City staff and residents

- Characteristics and behavior of peafowl including their nesting and breeding season which peaks in April and May

The Department has also reached out to vendors specializing in humanely trapping, relocation, removing, proofing and control of peafowl.  Preliminary proposals comprised of a service fee per location of $1,000.00 in addition to $50.00 per peacock/peahen removed in order to project the fiscal impact of the program. Some areas brought to our attention include mid-beach, Pine-Tree Drive and La Gorce.