Rosy-faced Lovebird

The Rosy-faced Lovebird, also known as the Rosy-collared or Peach-faced Lovebird, is a charming avian species native to the arid landscapes of southwestern Africa. This small, vibrant bird measures approximately 17-18 cm in length, with a wingspan that reaches around 106 mm and a tail length spanning 44-52 mm. The wild birds exhibit a predominantly green plumage with a distinctive blue rump. Their namesake rosy face and throat are most intense on the forehead and above the eyes, while the bill is horn-coloured, the iris brown, and the legs and feet a muted grey. Notably, the plumage of males and females is identical, making them monomorphic.

Identification Tips

To identify the Rosy-faced Lovebird, look for its green body, blue rump, and the pink hue that graces its face and throat. The intensity of the pink varies between subspecies, with A. r. roseicollis displaying a lighter shade compared to A. r. catumbella. Juveniles can be recognized by their paler pink faces and throats, greenish fore crown and crown, and a beak with a brownish base.

Habitat

These lovebirds favour dry, open country within their range, which spans from southwest Angola through Namibia to the lower Orange River valley in northwest South Africa. They thrive up to 1,600 meters above sea level in environments such as broad-leaved woodlands, semi-deserts, and mountainous regions, always in proximity to water sources.

Distribution

The Rosy-faced Lovebird is indigenous to the Namib Desert and arid areas of Namibia and Angola. Escaped individuals have established feral populations in urban and rural areas of Phoenix, Arizona, as well as on Maui and the Big Island in Hawaii.

Behaviour

In the wild, these lovebirds are highly social creatures, often seen in small groups. They are known for their loud and incessant chirping. A peculiar behaviour observed is their unique sleep position where they sit side-by-side, turning their faces towards each other. Females have a remarkable nesting behaviour, tearing raw materials into strips, attaching them to their backs, and flying back to their nests.

Song & Calls

The Rosy-faced Lovebird is known for its harsh, shrieking calls that can be heard echoing through their natural habitat.

Breeding

Breeding pairs construct their nests in rock crevices or within the large communal nests of sociable weavers, and sometimes even in man-made structures. They lay a clutch of 4-6 dull white eggs, which are incubated for about 23 days, with fledglings leaving the nest after 43 days.

Diet and Feeding

Their diet primarily consists of seeds and berries. In times of abundance, they may form large flocks, sometimes becoming agricultural pests by feeding on crops like millet.

Conservation Status

The Rosy-faced Lovebird is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN, although trapping for the pet trade has reduced populations in some areas. Conversely, human activities have sometimes increased their numbers by creating new water sources and artificial nesting sites.