| The Peach-Faced Lovebird is considered by many to be the most popular of all the lovebird
species. It is no surprise why when one considers their wonderful personalities and their
beautiful appearance.
The Peach-Faced Lovebird has been described as a large parrot in a little body. It possesses
many of the wonderful personality traits of the larger parrots. Many possess the ability to
mimic and will imitate noises and whistles. They do not, however possess the great ability
to speak like many of the other parrot species. It should not be said that they never speak,
in some cases small little squeaky words have been heard coming from a Peach Faced Lovebird
- some can even speak short sentences. But this is not the norm, and one should not expect
speech from their Peach-Faced Lovebird. |
Creamino Pied (left) and
Dutch Blue Pied/Lutino (right)
Lovebirds
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| Like many of the larger parrots they love to climb
and will often be seen hanging upside down in their cages. They sometimes use their feet to
eat, but they do not raise food to their bills like larger parrots. Unlike the larger parrot
breeds the Lovebird is very small in comparison and does not require much space, in addition
they are not nearly as messy or as noisy. They are communicative and their voices can be
heard often, but they are not loud like their larger cousins. With proper care the
Peach-Faced Lovebird may live over 20 years, though the average is around 15 years. The
Peach-Face Lovebird may become aggressive to other birds, though individuals will vary.
Because the Peach-Faced Lovebird is such a popular lovebird species it comes as no surprise
that many different color mutations have arisen. Some of the most common include, Creamino,
Lutino, Orange-Faced, White-Faced Blue, Blue Pied Dilute, Fallow, and Cinnamon. In addition
many of these mutations can be combined to produce even more colors called mixed mutations.
The wild type (light green) Peach Faced Lovebird has green plumage and a peach colored face.
The peach color lightens as it approaches the bill and darkness towards the crown. They have
blue rumps, gray feet and a horn colored bill. The Peach Faced Lovebirds are classified
between the sexually dimorphic group, whose sexes are easily distinguishable by appearance,
and the white eye-ring group whose appearance is impossible to define by appearance. In
general, the Peach Faced Lovebird does not show any obvious sexual dimorphism. Some breeders
will use a pelvic bone test where they examine the tips of the pelvic bone. Male pelvic
bones generally feel solid while the females have a space, which is almost large enough to
fit a finger. This test is not, however, 100% accurate. There are always exceptions to
every rule. The same is true for guessing sex by size. In general females are bigger, but
this is not always the case. For accuracy in sexing consult your avian veterinarian to
discuss DNA and surgical sexing options. A small parrot, the average adult Peach-Faced
Lovebird measures 15cm long.
The Peach-Faced Lovebird was officially recognized in 1817, but was discovered in the late
1700's. For several years it was considered a subspecies of the Red Faced variety. They
were first imported to Europe in the mud 1800's. The Peach-Faced Lovebird originates in
Africa, and is commonly seen in the southwest regions in large flocks of 20 to 30. They seem
to prefer the dry savannah but do not stay too far away from water. |
Specific Care Information:
Relative Care Ease: Relatively Easy
Slight
aggression to other birds has been seen in some Peach-Faced Lovebirds.
Get a very large cage to house this Lovebird in, about 30" by 30" by
30", as they need lots
of room to 'spread their wings.' Perches should be a part of the home
for these sweet birds,
and daily water changes are important. Keep the cage in a place where
the family members
spend a lot of time. Keep these birds away from Teflon (non-stick
material) as it will be
deadly to these birds.
Peach-Faced Lovebirds require a varied healthy diet. An all pellet diet
is generally
considered too low in fat for a Lovebird. African species require a
higher fat content than
some other species, so seed should also be included in the diet.
Lovebirds should be given
fresh vegetables. Favorites include corn, peas, string beans, collard
greens, broccoli,
shredded carrot and kale. They are also reported to love fruit!
As with most parrots, getting a hand raised baby is always suggested.
In addition it is
important to find a hand trained Peach Face as well. Without hand
training, even a hand
raised individual can revert back to wild behavior. It is important to
have wings trimed regularly as the flight feathers grow in. Lovebirds
that have escaped can be very harmful to native wildlife in some
regions. For example,
escaped lovebirds are detramental to the native woodpeckers in Arizona,
USA. |
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