ARLINGTON, Texas - With attacks reported on people and cars, residents of an Arlington neighborhood say a flock of peacocks has become uncharacteristically aggressive as four males seek the attention of one hen.

Dorothy Nelson, a longtime resident, said the behavior is a classic symptom of having "too many men."

The city's Community Service Department called a neighborhood meeting last week to discuss what to do about the flock.

"What happens sometimes is the peacock male will see its reflection in the car's paint and think it's another male peacock, then move to protect his territory," said Mike Bass, the department's assistant director.

Residents of the Fannin Farm neighborhood, which is bisected by a 106-acre greenbelt, said the peacocks have been there for at least seven years.

One woman said her daughter was scratched on the stomach by one of the peacocks. Other neighbors complained about the birds' feeding on gardens.

"There are neighbors who will not visit my home any more because of the peacocks," resident Elfreda Makil said. "Not everyone's going to love them."

Sandy Vaughn, a flock defender, has placed mirrors in her yard to attract the attention of the alpha male, which some neighbors call "Big Daddy."

"He pecks at the mirrors, but he's not broken one yet," Vaughn said.

Neighborhood residents decided at the Thursday meeting to place more mirrors in the neighborhood to try to hold the peacocks' attention and keep them away from people and vehicles.

They also agreed to reassess the situation after mating season, with thinning the flock remaining an option.

Several residents opposed the idea of trapping and relocating the flock's alpha male. Resident Charlotte Shaw said people have come to associate the neighborhood with peacocks.

"It isn't just us that enjoys these birds, it's all of Arlington that enjoys these birds," Shaw said. "These birds belong to everyone."