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Bird remains recovered from two trial pits and a rubbish dump dated from the 14th to 19th centuries AD at the Monastery of Santa Maria de Pedralbes in Barcelona (northeast Spain) are studied. The variety of avian taxa is low, with domestic fowl (Gallus gallus domesticus) clearly dominating the assemblage. The age at death and the sex profile data suggest that both chickens and hens were preferably consumed. The analysis of body parts indicates a preponderance of the meaty parts of legs, breast, and wings. Chops and cuts also suggest an interest in these anatomical parts. In addition, eggshell remains were recovered, indicating that eggs also played a role in the kitchen of this monastic community. Finally, our data are contrasted with available documentary evidence on historical monastic dietary practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents the first remains of a peacock (Pavo cristatus Linnaeus 1758) discovered in an archeological context in Catalonia. It is a well‐preserved animal (14 remains of an adult female) located in medieval levels—datable to the 13th century (1210–1278 cal. AD) at the site of Carrer de Sotstinent Navarro, in the city of Barcelona. We present the study of the remains of this animal together with that of the other birds recovered from the same excavation. In addition, by referring to iconographic and literary sources, some reflections are made on the species in Catalonia in medieval times. The interpretation of the remains could range from a symbolic religious use of the animal to a more profane one, as an element of identification of social status and economic ostentation, in the field of gastronomy or as an ornamental animal. The study of the remains and their archeological context seem to support this last hypothesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]