The birds, that live around Bishops¹ Court Estate in Clyst St Mary, near Exeter, and are mistaking their reflections for rival birds.

 

The peacocks are thought to be wild and have been targeting dark-coloured vehicles.

 

Local residents said in recent years the birds had increased in number and grown more aggressive.

 

Penny Hill, a business support manager at a nearby business estate, said her Audi TT was repeatedly violently attacked by a peacock.

 

"The pecking has completely ruined the paintwork and it is going to cost around £500-£600 to fix," she said.

 

"They're attacking the car because it's mating season and they think the reflection is another bird which it's jealous of.

 

"I just want to know who owns the birds because they need to be restrained or re-homed."

 

Stephen Fricker owns a business on the same estate and has had his company car damaged by the birds.

 

"It's very frustrating² they scratched all down the driver's side and had a good go at the boot," he said.

 

"It was that aggressive the bird ripped its own claw off and left the car covered in blood."

 

Local residents are now contacting animal authorities to see what can be done.

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