• Peacock invasion sparks debate in Italian coastal village
• Residents divided over whether the birds should stay or be relocated

The coastal village of Punta Marina in eastern Italy has become home to dozens of peacocks that have taken over the area, creating a striking scene that blends beauty with disruption.

The brightly colored birds, with their long shimmering tails, now perch on rooftops and fences and roam the streets during mating season, filling the village with loud calls that have left many residents frustrated.

Locals in Punta Marina are split between those who believe the peacocks should be left in their natural environment and others who are calling for them to be moved to more suitable areas away from residential neighborhoods.

Marco Manzoli, an 81-year-old retired bus driver, said the birds’ numbers have increased significantly over the past three decades, adding that they have become a growing nuisance in daily life.

He said they disturb sleep and traffic and leave waste across the streets, making everyday movement unpleasant.

Manzoli also warned that the peacocks climb onto cars and scratch them, raising concerns that the situation could harm the village’s tourist appeal.

Although there is no official count, the peacock population in the area is estimated at around 120 birds, turning a quiet coastal village into a stage for an ongoing clash.