Rosy-Faced Lovebird (Expert Opinion)

Last Updated on November 7, 2023 by Ali Shahid

The rosy-faced lovebird, also known as the peach-faced lovebird, is a very popular pet bird in the United States, perhaps worldwide. This species is native to arid regions in the southwest African region, including the Namib Desert.

In the wild, they chirp constantly and often gather in small groups. Peach-faced lovebirds are approximately 6 inches long and available in a wide variety of colors. Normally, the birds have green bodies, blue rumps, and pink faces.

Their rosy faces have earned them the name rosy-faced lovebirds. Rosy-faced lovebirds are popular for their cuteness and clown-like personalities. It is easy to find them in pet stores because they are prolific breeders.

Those who own the rosy-faced lovebirds describe them as tiny birds with big personalities. The birds are described as lovable and courageous by many owners who describe them as devoted to humans or other birds.

Although Peach-faced lovebirds have not been well known for their ability to talk, many are capable of picking up a few tricks. Many owners have reported their success in teaching rosy-face lovebirds to play dead, push a toy truck on command, and deposit coins into a toy bank, just to name a few.

With their pleasant chatter and entertaining antics, they make wonderful pets, whether kept in pairs or as single birds. This is the reason why they are the most popular lovebirds in the pet trade. Read on to learn more about the rosy-faced lovebird.

Origin and History

Rose-faced lovebirds are found in dry, arid regions of southwest Africa. This species has a wide range extending from southwest Angola, across most of Namibia, and northwest South Africa’s Orange River valley.

This species is found in broad-leaved woodlands, semi-deserts, and mountainous terrain up to 1,600 meters above sea level. Normally, it gathers around water sources to drink water.

Many captive birds escape and live in a variety of habitats, both urban and rural, in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona

Many captive birds escaped and lived in a variety of habitats, both urban and rural, in metropolitan Phoenix, Arizona, in the mid-1990s (Arizona State University). The birds are known to inhabit cacti and also frequent feeders in reasonable numbers.

In Arizona, feral rosy-faced lovebirds have been reported perching on air conditioner vents because of the high temperatures. While spotted in Puerto Rico, the birds appear to have escaped pets, and there has been no evidence of reproduction.

Appearance

Rosy-faced lovebirds are widely considered to be one of the most beautiful species of lovebirds. The birds weigh approximately 55 grams and measure 6 inches long. The average weight of a female is slightly higher than that of a male.

A male’s average wing span is 99.6 mm, while a female’s average wing span is 102.6 mm. The coloration of this species is subject to age-related variation as well as sexual variation to some extent.

The foreheads, cheeks, chins, throats, and upper breasts of males are rosy pink. However, the underside tends to be a slightly lighter shade of green than the remainder of the body. In addition to the greenish-grey feet, the bill is horn-colored.

It has a bright blue rump and feathers covering the tail. The central tail feathers are green with blue tips, and there is a black band with red patches at the end of the tail feathers.

This species’ females have a similar appearance, but their colors are slightly duller. In the beginning, the faces of the young are much paler than those of adults. After the first molt, about four months after birth, the brighter feathers emerge.

Additionally, young birds have a black upper mandible, which becomes horn-colored as they mature.

Rosy-faced lovebirds are divided into two subspecies:

• roseicollis roseicollis
• roseicollis catumbella

It is easy to identify Agapornis roseicollis catumbella because of its brighter colors. Throats are much redder and lavender-tinged. It has a much deeper green color, and its rump is more purple in color than it is blue.

Furthermore, the beak differs greatly from that mentioned above; it is white in color with green dots.

Compared to Agapornis roseicollis roseicollis, Agapornis roseicollis catumbella is less common. Typically, it is found in a small area of Angola called Benguela.

The Rosy-Faced Lovebirds Mutation

Agapornis rosy-faced lovebirds exhibit the greatest variety of color mutations. In general, these mutations can be classified as dominant, co-dominant, recessive, or sexually transmitted.

Although this sounds pretty straightforward, it can get confusing when there are multiple mutational traits in the same specimen.

Among the mutations of Peach-faced Lovebirds are Dark Factor Violet, Pied, Violet Pied, Dutch Blue, Lutino, and White-faced Lovebirds.

Personality

Peach-faced lovebirds are very social birds. Normally, they move around in flocks of at least five birds, with a typical group size ranging from five to twenty birds. When there are ripe grass seeds in the environment, they sometimes form a group of 100 birds.

These birds move most commonly by flight. However, they prefer to walk or sidle sideways for short distances. It has been recorded that this species flies at a speed of 58 kilometers per hour. During long flights, there are frequent periods of gliding.

During glide periods, a characteristic squawk can be heard. Using their feet and beaks, they can climb vertical walls by rapidly beating their wings.

These birds are always alert and mischievous, and they are great escape artists. They are always energetic and eager to play. When kept in pairs, they might live a married life, possibly to the exclusion of their owners.

The peach-faced lovebird has the same affectionate characteristics as the family lap dog if kept alone and given frequent attention. When neglected, many lovebirds turn snappy and revert to their old behavior.

In breeding season, the female peach-faced lovebird chews strips of paper and tucks them into her feathers to make her journey to the nest easier.

Behavior with Children

It has been reported that these birds are very friendly to children. Their size may be small, but their temperament is very cool and carefree. Hence, you may leave your child alone with these birds without fear of harm.

As a matter of fact, these birds are highly likely to develop a very deep and long-lasting relationship with young children.

Furthermore, they do not possess an aggressive nature. These birds only want attention. If you pay attention to them, they’ll probably become your biggest fans.

Speech and Sound

There’s a loud screeching noise from this lovebird. Usually, squawks are given as a single sound. Additionally, this species is capable of making a soft, rasping mechanical noise when it rubs its mandibles together.

During breeding, couples communicate using visual signals such as bobbing. Additionally, these birds do mutual preening to communicate with one another and to maintain a strong pair bond.

It is not a particularly noisy bird, but it does chatter and whistle in the morning and evening. However, there are reports of some lovebirds that are capable of speaking—perhaps one in a thousand. However, they will be able to whistle well over time.

Breeding

It is relatively easy for a beginner to breed peach-faced lovebirds. However, due to their breeding habits, there is a population explosion, with many breeders unable to place their young population explosion.

Rosy-faced lovebirds begin breeding at the age of 10 months and continue breeding until they are five to six years old. In the wild, this species is known for tucking nesting materials into the feathers of the rump.

The females are highly prolific, laying multiple clutches of eggs within a single year. Consequently, they are one of the most easily available pets on the market today.

Females begin preparing the nest, while males display more aggressive behavior during the breeding season. Lovebirds require specific nesting boxes. Females construct most of the nests and incubate three to six eggs for about 23 days. In the wild, this species is known for tucking nesting materials into the feathers of the rump (Arizona State University).

The female will care for the hatchlings until they leave the nest at approximately six weeks of age. For the next two weeks or so, the father will be responsible for feeding the young birds.

Caring for the Rosy-Faced Lovebirds

A peach-faced lovebird may be kept either in a pair or alone in captivity. The lovebird is a very social bird and will select a mate either from a fellow bird or from one of their human companions.

You should consider having more than one Peach-Faced Lovebird if you intend to keep more than one in your home. In general, they are aggressive toward other species.

To ensure your peach-faced lovebird gets enough exercise inside their enclosure, the cage size should be spacious. Temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit are optimal for these birds.

Please keep in mind that these small parrots are quite sensitive to sudden, drastic changes in temperature. Bathing is a favorite activity for these birds, and they will need frequent access to water. They will find it enjoyable to bathe in shallow bowls or misters. Ideally, your bird should be bathed every day. 

It’s important to bathe your bird regularly to keep it healthy. When lovebirds are not bathed, their feathers can become matted and dirty. Shower your lovebird with water from a fine mist sprayer.

Let the water droplets drift down like rain a foot or two above your bird. Repeat this process several times so that your lovebird becomes accustomed to the “rain” and begins to groom and preen.

These birds enjoy baths and will happily hop into a small bowl of water. You may also observe your bird splashing around in the water for a period of time.

In order to satisfy their exercise and stimulation needs, enriching items should be readily available. Providing your bird with perches, swings, ladders, bells, chew toys, puzzles, and wooden toys is an excellent idea.

Mirrors should not be placed in the cage of a lovebird, as their reflection will be viewed as a potential mate by this species. Ensure that the toys in your bird’s cage are rotated regularly so that your bird will not become bored with them.

If your bird’s toys are damaged or worn, they may cause injury. Before you put a new toy in your bird’s cage, introduce the toy in a neutral place so your bird gets used to it.

Diet

The rosy-faced lovebird typically feeds on seeds, especially those from native plants such as Albizia and Acacia. The tongue, mandible, and cutting edge of the maxilla are used to quickly pick up husked seeds from the ground or from growing plants.

They pluck flowers from trees, using their beaks to clip petals and stamens. Because of its hot, arid habitat, this species drinks water several times per day.

In captivity, the diet should consist of high-quality pellets or fortified seed mixes. In addition, they will require a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Considering the risk of nutritional disorders, make sure you provide a balanced diet that includes fruits and vegetables.

Since females lay eggs, even without a male, calcium deficiencies or egg binding can occur. If your pet displays any signs of lethargy or abnormal behavior, consult your veterinarian.

Exercise

The Peach-Faced Lovebird keeps fit in the wild by flying, hunting for food, and interacting with other birds. It is up to the owner to maximize the exercise their bird gets compared to their wild counterparts.

To maintain optimum health, peach-faced lovebirds require a great deal of exercise and human interaction. To keep them entertained, you should supply them with a variety of toys and make sure that they have a spacious cage.

Peach-faced lovebirds love ladders, ropes, and toys. Tossing foot toys around is a great activity for birds.

The best way to bond with your bird is to play games like fetch or teach them tricks. Provide your bird with a bird-safe area in your home where it can explore and get exercise each day.

Common health problems

Peach-faced lovebirds can live from 15 to 25 years with proper husbandry and a well-balanced diet. Balance is the key to optimal nutrition for lovebirds. You should take your bird to the vet as soon as possible if it’s sick. Rosy-faced lovebirds are susceptible to:

• Feather Plucking
• Egg Binding
• Ticks and mites
• Avian Pox
• Coccidiosis
• Avian influenza
• Chlamydia
• Aspergillosis
• Polyoma
• Parasites
• Psittacine beak and feather disease
• Respiratory issues
• Nutritional deficiencies

Predators of Rosy-Faced Lovebirds

The peach-faced lovebird attacks potential predators. Individuals engage in mobbing behavior by squawking loudly and standing upright. In the presence of predators, they flap their wings wildly, hold their bodies upright, and squawk at higher pitches.

Additionally, they move toward the attacker as if they will attack. These birds will attack in large groups if predators do not back down.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Peach-Faced Lovebird

The peach-faced lovebird is one of the most popular pets in the United States. The options for buying a pet bird are wide, from reputable breeders to rescue organizations to local pet shops. If you’re on the hunt for a Rosy Face lovebird, there are a few places you can check out:

1. Lee’s Exotic Birds:
   • They offer Peach-Faced Lovebirds, which are also known as Rosy Face lovebirds.
   • Prices range from $110 to $220.
   • You can order online, and they even have bird shows.
2. TampaLovebirds:
   • They have a wide variety of Peach Face lovebirds available for sale.
   • You can see the lovebird mutations on their website, but they don’t list prices there.
3. Birds Now:
   • They have Peach-Faced lovebirds from aviaries, breeders, and bird rescues.
   • Prices may vary depending on the seller.
4. Cool Exotic Pets:
   • They have Rosy-Faced lovebirds available, but they don’t provide prices on their website.
5. Bird Breeders:
   • You’ll find Peach Face lovebirds for sale from various sellers.
   • Prices range from $299.99 to $495.00.
6. Parrot Crown:
   • They offer handfed Peach-Faced Lovebirds for sale.
   • They recommend providing a spacious cage for the lovebird’s well-being, but prices aren’t listed on their website.

Keep in mind that the prices and availability of Rosy Face lovebirds can differ based on the seller and your location. It’s crucial to research the seller’s reputation and ethics before making a purchase to ensure you’re getting a healthy and happy lovebird.