CC SR 20260707 02 - 2026 Peafowl Census
CITY COUNCIL MEETING DATE: 07/07/2026
AGENDA REPORT AGENDA HEADING: Regular Business
AGENDA TITLE:
Consider the 2026 Peafowl Census Report.
RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION:
(1) Receive and file the 2026 Peafowl Census Report; and
(2) Direct staff to pause the Peafowl Trapping and Relocation Program for 2026.
FISCAL IMPACT: The costs associated with the preparation of the Peafowl Census
Report for 2026, which occurred in April 2026, was included in the
City Council adopted Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 budget under the
Code Enforcement Division Professional/Technical Services/Animal
Control. The total contract sum with Raptor Events, LLC is not-to-
exceed $25,000. VR
Amount Budgeted: $25,000
Additional Appropriation: N/A
Account Number(s): 101-400-4180-5101
(General Fund- CDD - Animal Control - Prof & Tech) VR
ORIGINATED BY: Brittany Pena, Code Enforcement BP
REVIEWED BY: Brandy Forbes, AICP, Director of Community Development
APPROVED BY: Ara Mihranian, AICP, City Manager
ATTACHED SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS:
A. 2026 Peafowl Census Report (Page A-1)
BACKGROUND:
On August 4, 2015, the City Council adopted the Peafowl Management Plan (PMP), a
City-initiated plan to humanely manage the peafowl population within the City. This is
achieved by reducing and maintaining the peafowl population to the levels first identified
in the 2000 Peafowl Census Report for a total of 134 birds Citywide. Peafowl management
services include census reporting, and humane trapping and relocation. The PMP
supports the coexistence of peafowl within the semi-rural character of the City by:
• Encouraging public education and deterrent measures; and
1
• Humanely trapping and relocating up to 1501 birds per year to maintain the 2000
peafowl population.
For 2025, the City Council approved the trapping and relocation of no more than 34
peafowl in Portuguese Bend, 20 peafowl in Vista Grande, and 15 peafowl in Sunnyside
Ridge neighborhoods, with the added direction of no more than 3 females from the
Sunnyside Ridge neighborhood. Additionally, the City Manager authorized the trapping
and relocation of peafowl in three other neighborhoods based on conditions that arose
after the 2025 census report. Those include the following based on code enforcement
complaints:
• Someone illegally released peafowl into the Ladera Linda neighborhood.
• Additional hatched chicks increased the population in the Monaco neighborhood.
• A resident was feeding and caring for peafowl in the Grandview neighborhood,
which resulted in a major increase in the peafowl population in that area.
This report will present peafowl trapping data based on the City Council-approved
Trapping and Relocation Plan for 2025 , the 2026 Peafowl Census data, and historic
census and trapping program data throughout the six program neighborhoods to, among
other things, determine whether trapping should continue for 2026.
DISCUSSION:
Peafowl Trapping Program Summary
The trapping program is coordinated by the Code Enforcement Division of the City’s
Community Development Department with support from a private trapping company,
Raptor Events, LLC., that specializes in such services (the City Council approved a
Professional Services Agreement with Raptor Events, LLC. originally in 2023 for initial
two years and amended in 2025 to exercise extension of contract for a third year).
Since the adoption of the PMP, ten peafowl censuses have been conducted to assess
the peafowl population throughout the six program neighborhoods and to determine if
trapping and relocation services are warranted to maintain the 2000 peafowl population.
As a result of the annual census reports and the City’s Peafowl Trapping Program
(Program), a total of 644 peafowls have been humanely trapped and relocated to
communities off the Peninsula throughout the six program neighborhoods since the origin
of the Program.
The City Council voted to pause the peafowl trapping program for certain seasons when
the census data reported a reduction or numbers relatively close to the baseline census
data of 134 in 2000. Seasons where the trapping program was paused were 2020, 2022,
2023, and 2024.
1 The trapping cap cannot be increased unless additional environmental review is conducted, in
accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
2
Table No. 1 summarizes and compares the number of birds trapped by program
neighborhoods between the 2015 and 2025 trapping seasons. A total of 55 trappings
were completed in the Grandview, Monaco and Sunnyside Ridge neighborhoods during
the 2025 trapping season with the Grandview neighborhood experiencing 65% of those
trappings. Although the City Council authorized trapping in the Portuguese Bend and
Vista Grande neighborhoods for the 2025 trapping season, no trappings were reported,
as calls for trapping services from the public were not received for these neighborhoods.
It should be noted that trapping did not occur between 2000 and 2015 which is why there
is no data during this reporting period.
Table No. 1: Peafowl Trapping Summary
Year Crestridge Grand
view Monaco Portuguese
Bend
Sunnyside
Ridge
Vista
Grande Total
2015 27 24 0 27 24 48 150
2016 7 1 0 8 54 82 152
2017 0 0 48 0 20 44 112
2018 0 0 1 12 12 39 64
2019 10 0 2 1 14 34 61
*2020 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
2021 n/a n/a n/a n/a 25 25 50
*2022 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
*2023 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
*2024 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
*2025 0 36** 4 0 15 0 55
Total 44 61 55 48 164 272 644
*No trapping occurred in 2020, 2022, 2023 & 2024.
**Trappings in Grandview were authorized by the City Manager to address a major population increase due to a
resident feeding and caring for peafowl in the neighborhood
Note: An additional 2 peafowl were trapped and relocated from the Ladera Linda neighborhood to address the illegal
release of peafowl into that neighborhood
2026 Peafowl Census Report
In accordance with the City’s PMP, an annual peafowl census is required to estimate the
population throughout the six program neighborhoods and to determine if humane
trapping is warranted for the season. The City’s goal is to maintain the peafowl populati on
at the levels first identified in the 2000 Peafowl Census Report (134 population).
3
The 2026 Peafowl Census Report (Attachment A) was conducted by the City’s peafowl
consultant, Raptor Events LLC, between April 7 and April 23, 2026. The census is
conducted based on two types of observations; one that focuses on roosting peafowl in
trees at sunrise and the other using a systematic grid pattern during the late afternoon to
evening hours.
Table No. 2 below provides historical figures of the peafowl population through census
data collected between 2014 through 2026. Table No. 2 also provides comparison figures
to show the difference in the peafowl population between the prior and current year , as
well as the difference between the baseline data collected in 2014 and 2026 (current year
data).
Table No. 2: Peafowl Census Summary
Crestridge Grandview Monaco Portuguese
Bend
Sunnyside
Ridge
Vista
Grande Total
2014
41 17 n/a 85 64 71 278
*2015 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
2016 13 4 n/a 52 57 82 208
2017 9 0 22 40 37 42 150
2018 3 1 3 46 37 40 130
2019 11 0 4 45 36 40 136
2020 3 4 3 43 43 25 121
2021 5 2 4 54 61 55 181
2022 2 1 2 56 38 41 140
2023 2 6 2 49 37 37 133
2024 1 9 2 44 54 55 165
2025 2 14 1 78 46 75 216
2026 2 13 1 29 43 43 131
Difference
b/t 2000 &
2026
** ** ** ** ** ** -3
% Differences
b/t 2000 &
2026
** ** ** ** ** ** -2%
Difference
b/t 2014 &
2026
-39 -4 -21
(2017 &
2025) -56 -21 -28 -147
4
Crestridge Grandview Monaco Portuguese
Bend
Sunnyside
Ridge
Vista
Grande Total
% Differences
b/t 2014 &
2026
-95% -24% -95%
(2017 &
2025) -66% -33% 39% -53%
% Differences
b/t 2025 &
2026
100% -7% 100% -63% -6% -43% -39%
*2015 Census was not conducted due to the PMP adoption occurring later in the year – August 4, 2015
**The 2000 baseline was the overall total and not calculated for specific neighborhoods. Baseline was 134 population
The 2026 census reported a total of 131 birds from the six surveyed neighborhoods. This
is an overall decrease of -39% in the peafowl population from the prior year, a 53%
reduction in the overall peafowl population compared to the initial PMP census conducted
in 2014, and a 2% decrease from the 2000 baseline. Trapping in 2025 was authorized by
City Council for the neighborhoods of Portuguese Bend, Vista Grande, and Sunnyside
Ridge, which is reflective in the reduced census populations in 2026 compared to 2025.
Overall, all six program neighborhoods experienced less peafowl populations in
comparison to the 2025 Census figures.
It is possible there could be an undercount of approximately 10 -20% due to breeding
females nesting in denser vegetation caused by inclement weather, limited access to
private properties, road conditions, and visibility due to heavy fog conditions. Prior c ensus
reports included similar undercount percentages; however, the City does not factor in
these percentages to justify that trapping is warranted. Trapping is warranted based on
the true number of birds observed during the census.
Due to the reduced numbers that are below the 2000 overall baseline and the initial PMP
census conducted in 2014, Staff recommend that City Council pause the Peafowl
Trapping Program for 2026.
Alternatively, the City Council may consider selective trapping up to a total of 150 birds in
any specific neighborhood or across the entire program area based on its own discretion.
If the Peafowl Trapping and Relocation Program is continued in 2026, it would begin on
September 1, 2026, after the nesting and hatching season has ended, for which peafowl
chicks are able to function on their own.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Public Notification
Interested parties were notified of tonight’s agenda item via a listserv message on June
26, 2026 and social media ahead of the meeting date. No public comments have been
received at this time. Any public comments submitted after the transmittal of this staff
report will be provided to the City Council on the night of the meeting as late
correspondence.
5
Prohibited Activity Concerning Peafowl
On May 19, 2009, the City Council enacted Ordinance N o. 488 amending the Rancho
Palos Verdes Municipal Code (RPVMC) making it illegal to feed peafowl (RPVMC
§10.84.010) and interfering with efforts to trap and relocate peafowl (RPVMC § 6.04.070).
Prohibiting the feeding of peafowl is intended to help control the overall peafowl
population in the City.
The California Penal Code (CPC) Section 597(a) makes it a crime to intentionally maim,
mutilate, torture, wound, or kill a living animal. Violation of CPC §597(a) can result in three
years in a state prison, a fine of up to $20,000, or both a prison term and a fine.
Discharging any weapon within City limits is prohibited per Section 9.08.010 of the
RPVMC. To report discharge of weapons, contact the Lomita Sheriff’s Station at (310)
539-1661. Animal cruelty, as well as injured or deceased animals, can be reported to L.A.
County Animal Care and Control at (310) 523-9566 or at
animalcare.lacounty.gov/protecting-animals/.
Peafowl Information and Resources
The Code Enforcement Division section of the City’s website includes a comprehensive
listing of peafowl information and resources including a copy of the PMP, Peafowl Census
& Trapping Efforts, and Activity Reports. Questions and/or concerns regarding the PMP
should be directed to the Code Enforcement Division email at
CodeEnforcement@RPVca.gov or by calling the main line at (310) 544-5281.
Members of the public can also subscribe to receive regular updates and notifications
regarding peafowls via the City’s listserv messaging.
CONCLUSION:
Based on the most recent census data and analysis, Staff recommends pausing the
peafowl trapping and relocating program for 2026.
ALTERNATIVES:
In addition to Staff recommendations, the following alternative actions, or some
combinations thereof, are available for the City Council’s consideration:
1. Direct Staff to continue to reinstate the peafowl trapping and relocation program
for 2026.
2. Direct Staff to conduct peafowl trapping only in specific surveyed neighborhoods
to achieve a specified quantity of birds to be relocated.
6
THE CITY RANCHO PALOS VERDES
2026 PEAFOWL CENSUS
Provided by Raptor Events LLC
This census took place between April 7th - April 23rd, 2025. Two types of observations
were used. The first was counting roosting peafowl in trees at sunrise. The second was
using a systematic grid pattern during the late afternoon to evening hours.
Listed below are the total counts for each of the six neighborhoods canvased. These
numbers represent the minimum number of peafowl inhabiting these neighborhoods. It is
possible that there could be an undercount of up to 10 -15%. One reason for this would
be breeding age females nesting, therefore on the ground in dense vegetation. We
observed one mother with chicks while canvasing. Another reason for possible
undercounting is peafowl occupying deep or gated lots preventing physical access. Road
work in the Portuguese Bend neighborhood also affected accessibility to conduct the
census.
GRANDVIEW 13 5 males & 4 females & 4 chicks
CRESTRIDGE 2 1 male & 1 female
SUNNYSIDE RIDGE 43 23 males & 20 females
MONACO 1 1 male
VISTA GRANDE 43 30 males & 13 females
PORTUGUESE BEND 29 22 males & 7 females
TOTAL COUNT 131
A-1
RANCHO PALOS VERDES 2025 PEAFOWL CENSUS
Listed below are the dates, times and addresses of each individual sighting.
GRANDVIEW
4-10 6:20 AM four males & two females 26861 Springcreek Road
Total 4 males & 2 females
4-15 6:33 PM one male 26862 Springcreek Road
4-15 6:34 PM one male 26845 Springcreek Road
4-15 6:35 PM two males & three females 26828 Springcreek Road
4-15 6:36 PM one male 26927 Springcreek Road
4-15 6:36 PM one female & 4 chicks 26905 Springcreek Road
Total 5 males & 4 females & 4 chicks
Overall Total 5 males & 4 females & 4 chicks
CRESTRIDGE
4-7 6:08 AM one male 5360 Middlecrest Road
4-7 6:15 AM one female 5930 Middlecrest Road
4-15 6:30 PM one male 5930 Middlecrest Road
Overall Total 1 Male & 1 Female
SUNNYSIDE RIDGE
A-2
4-8 6:06 AM one male & one female 1 Chaparall
6:10 AM two males Cayuse Lane
6:12 AM two males & four females 24 Stallion
6:15 AM six males & eight females 92 Headland
6:17 AM two females 37 Headland
6:19 AM one male & one female 13 Headland
6:22 AM one male 2615 Sunnyside
6:22 AM one male 2513 Sunnyside
6:33 AM three males 27990 Palos Verdes Drive East
6:36 AM four males & four females 28032 Palos Verdes Drive East
6:40 AM two males Palos Verdes Drive East
Total 23 males & 20 females
4-22 6:40 PM two males 28032 Palos Verdes Drive East
6:42 PM one male 14 Mustang
6:58 PM two males PVDE and Headland
7:01 PM one male 92 Headland
Total 6 males & 0 females
Overall Total 23 males & 20 females
MONACO
4-7 0 Birds Observed
A-3
4-14 6:40 PM 1 male 30411 Rhone Road
Overall Total 1 male
VISTA GRANDE
4-21 6:10 AM one male 6616 Ambergate Drive
6:10 AM one male & one female 27935 Ambergate Drive
6:14 AM one male 7027 Brookford Drive
6:14 AM one male & three females 6948 Brookford Drive
6:15 AM one male 6942 Brookford Drive
6:15 AM two males & one female 6928 Brookford Drive
6:17 AM one male 28216 Trailriders Drive
6:18 AM thirteen males & five females 28304 Trailriders Drive
6:20 AM one male 6910 Larkvale Drive
6:22 AM two males 28537 Blythwood Drive
6:22 AM one male 28835 Blythwood Drive
6:23 AM one male 7017 Hartcrest
6:25 AM two males 28111 Lobrook
6:26 AM one male 28237 Lobrook
6:28 AM one male & two females 28030 Braidwood Drive
Total 30 males & 12 females
4-23 6:43 PM four males 2807 Ambergate Drive
6:43 PM one male & one female 28113 Ambergate Drive
6:43 PM three females 28215 Ambergate Drive
6:44 PM two males Brookford/Ambergate
A-4
6:44 PM two males & one female 6910 Hedgewood
6:50 PM one male 7010 Maycroft
6:51 PM three females & one male 6918 Maycroft
6:52 PM one male 6929 Lofty Grove
6:55 PM one male 6921 Brookford Drive
6:55 PM four males 6957 Brookford Drive
6:56 PM two males 6902 Larkvale
6:56 PM three females 6910 Larkvale
7:06 PM one male 28703 Blythwood
7:07 PM three males 6910 Hedgewood
7:09 PM one male Rothrock and Cedar
7:13 PM one male 6804 Eddinghill Drive
7:18 PM one male 20215 Lobrook
7:39 PM two males 28229 Monero and Brookford
7:40 PM one male & two females Trailriders and Hedgewood
7:40 PM one male Cedarbluff and Trailriders
Total 30 males & 13 females
Overall Total 30 males & 13 females
PORTUGUESE BEND
4-16 6:46 AM one male 15 Cinnamon Lane
6:50 AM four males 20 Cinnamon Lane
6:56 AM two males 7 Cinnamon Lane
A-5
6:56 AM one male 10 Figtree
6:57 AM one male 22 Narcissa
6:59 AM two males 8 Vanderlip
7:04 AM one male 68 Narcissa
7:10 AM one male & three females 34 Sweetbay Road
7:11 AM one male 31 Sweetbay Road
7:12 AM one male 12 Sweetbay Road
7:15 AM one male 3 Tangerine
7:21 AM one female 57 Tangerine
7:23 AM four males & one female Cherry Hill
7:28 AM two males & two females 21 Kumquat Lane
Total 22 males & 7 females
4-8 6:33 PM two males 21 Kumquat Lane
6:38 PM one male & two females 8 Roseapple Lane
6:49 PM one male 3 Tangerine Lane
6:50 PM one male 10 Tangerine Lane
6:51 PM one female 12 Sweetbay Road
6:54 PM three males 28 Sweetbay Road
6:57 PM one male 11 Cinnamon Road
6:58 PM one male 5 Clovetree Lane
7:01 PM four males 5 Cinnamon Road
A-6
7:04 PM one female 10 Figtree Lane
7:07 PM one male & one female 5 Narcissa Drive
7:14 PM four males & one female Sweetbay Road
7:14 PM two males 1 West Pomegranate Road
Total 21 males & 6 females
Overall Total 21 males & 6 females
GRANDVIEW 13 5 males & 4 females & 4 Chicks
CRESTRIDGE 2 1 male & 1 female
SUNNYSIDE RIDGE 43 23 males & 20 females
MONACO 1 1 male
VISTA GRANDE 43 30 males & 13 females
PORTUGUESE BEND 29 22 males & 7 females
TOTAL COUNT 131
A-7