Utica Family Puzzled By Stray Peacock

The recent torrential rain and heavy flooding in Central New York brought along some strange sights. Perhaps none quite as striking as this peacock that showed up in a Utica neighborhood. Maybe it was looking for its mate during the deluge, and possibly the Ark?

Katie and Frank Broadbent (who snapped the shot) have been asking around to see if anyone is missing this exotic creature. Mike Beck at the Utica Zoo says all of their peacocks are present and accounted for, which begs the question: Whose bird is it?

First things first, this is a peacock, due to its more colorful belly, which matches its plumage. Females, known as peahens, have white bellies. One of the latter famously got loose in a Southern California liquor store recently and took down a bunch of expensive bottles of booze as it flapped around the top shelves.

Our Utica friend looks a bit better behaved. As the search continues for its rightful home and owner, and its proper care is considered, here are a few key facts:

The likelihood of this peacock being wild is slim. Wild peacocks are native to Burma, Java, India and Sri Lanka, although their numbers have multiplied in some temperate climates, such as Florida.

They like a lot of room to roam, so it's possible this bird came from a farm or country home.

Peafowl like to roost in high places, so treehouse-like structures make good homes. They like to eat peanuts, mixed grains, and kale, so if you have a human vegan in your household, maybe everyone can share.

Here's a little more peacock trivia:

A group of them is called a party. Ain't no party like a peacock party.

The athletic teams at Upper Iowa University are nicknamed the Peacocks.

If you'd like to purchase your own adult peacock, the Cackle Hatchery in Missouri has 'em for sale for anywhere from $35 to $275. Maybe if no one claims the Utica peacock, the Broadbents can turn a profit. Meantime, if he looks familiar, call us at 315-721-0987 or hit us up on the Lite 98.7 app.