Rosy-faced lovebird

The rosy-faced lovebird, also known as the rosy-collared or peach-faced lovebird, is a captivating and sociable bird native to the arid regions of southwestern Africa. Easily identifiable by their vibrant pink faces and throats, these birds are noted for their loud chirping and friendly demeanor.

Interestingly, it is not possible to distinguish males from females visually, as they are identical in appearance. Rosy-faced lovebirds are adept nest builders and primarily consume seeds and berries.

Taxonomically, the rosy-faced lovebird was first described by Louis Jean Pierre Vieillot in 1818 and belongs to the Agapornis genus. There are two subspecies: Agapornis roseicollis catumbella, found in Angola, and Agapornis roseicollis roseicollis, which inhabits Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa.

These birds thrive in dry, open areas up to 1,600 meters above sea level and typically settle near water sources. Although native to southwest Africa, they have been observed in various parts of the world, likely due to escaped individuals from captivity.

While the species has faced threats from trapping for the pet trade, conservation efforts and the availability of new habitats have bolstered their populations. Consequently, the IUCN classifies them as Least Concern.

In the wild, rosy-faced lovebirds have harsh calls and feed on seeds and berries. They typically breed in rock crevices or communal nests, laying 4-6 eggs from February to April.

In captivity, these lovebirds are popular pets due to their small size and ease of care. They should ideally be kept in pairs for social interaction, although they can be aggressive and might not coexist well with other birds or pets. Captive breeding has resulted in various color mutations, further increasing their appeal in the pet industry.