Rosy-faced (Peach-faced) Lovebird

In the September 2011 issue of Birding (pp. 50-51) we learn that the exotic, Rosy-faced Lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis), is increasing in the greater Phoenix area, Arizona, with a population estimate at 2,500 birds. With breeding in the area in columnar cacti, the species seems to be well-established.  It is anticipated that a vote will soon be taken on whether or not to ratify Rosy-faced Lovebird in Arizona and perhaps then for the ABA Area.  If you are traveling in the greater Phoenix area and would like to search for introduced lovebirds, a map with known 1999-2010 lovebird locations can be found at:

 http://mirror-pole.com/maps/maps_test_2/peach-faced_1999-2010/index.html (The URL provided in Birding did not work for me.  Because of width restrictions on this blog you must combine the two lines of the URL and use underscores where appropriate).

Rosy-faced Lovebird (in the Clements Checklist, but Peach-faced Lovebird in most field guides) has two subspecies.   The natural range extends in southwestern Africa from the sub-deserts of southwestern Angola where the species is poorly known (the region of Sumba) southwards parallel to the coast through the sub-deserts of Namibia to northern Cape Province, South Africa (Parrots, A Guide to the Parrots of the World, Juniper and Parr).  Three feral populations are known, one in the greater Phoenix area, one in the Nipomo area of San Luis Obispo County, California, and one in Simonstown, Republic of South Africa (Parrots of the World, Forshaw).  

Comments

[Laurence Butler]

As a Phoenix Resident for some time now, I can personally attest that the Lovebird populations are indeed established.
I see more Lovebirds at the Desert Botanical Gardens and Gilbert Water Ranch than I do White-winged Doves. They are also found at the smaller city parks throughout Phoenix, with the Grenada and Encanto Parks being particularly well populated.
The lovebirds like to travel close to the canals, and as such have spread throughout the greater Phoenix area.
I have to think, that if they're adapted to survive in the Namibian and Angolan deserts, Phoenix must be a lush paradise for them.
It's pretty ridiculous that the Eurasian Collared Dove is listed but not the Lovebird.

[Michelle Hellstern]

Definitely going to see them. Psittcines are some of my favourite types of birds. Thanks for the heads up!