
Peach-faced Lovebird (Rosy-faced Lovebird)
Kingdom: Animalia > Phylum: Chordata > Class: Aves > Order: Psittaciformes > Family: Psittaculidae > Genus: Agapornis > Species: A. roseicollis
Family: Psittaculidae (Old World Parrots / Lovebirds)
- Shape
- Slightly asymmetrical, broad and gently rounded at the tip, short and curved overall contour profile
- Size
- Approximately 2.5–3.5 cm (1.0–1.4 inches) long; highly characteristic of small body contour feathers in Psittaculidae
- Rarity
- Very Common (Extremely widespread in aviculture as a pet; abundant in native southwestern African range)
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Description
This colorful feather exhibits the striking bright green and turquoise plumage characteristic of the Peach-faced Lovebird. In the live bird, these feathers create a vivid mantle and rump contrast against the signature peach-pink facial mask and green body.
Colour & Pattern
Vibrant gradient showing structural turquoise-blue along the outer leading edge transitioning into bright yellow-green/lime in the distal center, with a muted grayish-buff to brownish-tan plumulaceous base
Barb Structure
Pennaceous upper region with tight barbs creating structural coloration; loose, downy plumulaceous structure at the basal quarter near the calamus
Texture & Surface
Smooth, slightly glossy upper surface due to structural light scattering (Tyndall effect / spongy layer in barb cortex); soft, downy base
Key Features
Distinctive yellow-green to turquoise-blue color gradient on a small contour feather; short rounded shape with grayish downy base
Habitat
Dry wooded areas, savannas, sub-deserts, and scrublands near water in the wild; extremely common as a domestic pet and in urban parklands as feral populations
Geographic Range
Native to southwestern Africa (Namibia, southwestern Angola, South Africa). Feral introduced populations exist in Phoenix, Arizona, and parts of Europe.
Ecological Role
In native habitats, they are seed eaters and cavity nesters, relying on water holes and weaver nests or rock crevices for breeding.
Similar Species
Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) small contour feathers, Green-cheeked Conure (Pyrrhura molinae) back feathers, and other Agapornis species like Fischer's Lovebird.
Interesting Facts
The vibrant blue and green colors in lovebird feathers are created by structural refraction of light through microscopic spongy structures within the feather barbs rather than green pigments.
Condition Notes
Good condition; slight separation of barbs along the lower left trailing edge, typical of natural shedding/molting