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Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Peach-faced Lovebirds in Greater Phoenix

At the Gilbert Water Ranch I saw at least eight Peach-faced Lovebirds--a bird which has become established in the Greater Phoenix area. These small South African parrots were pretty easy to find feeding on the ground with Red-winged Blackbirds. They've been in the area for more than 15 years, and their breeding documented in the Arizona breeding bird atlas. Once the Arizona bird records committee votes to accept them on the Arizona state list, the American Birding Association will vote on whether they should be added to the ABA bird checklist for North America. If they are added to the list, birders from all over will be coming to Phoenix to see these birds and add them to their lists.

Officially listable or not, I'm more interested in these birds as another example of exotic birds that have become established in North American cities. While they do nest in cavities and may potentially interfere with other native birds, so far they are restricted to urban habitats and seem to get along well with other wildlife. Our cities create new environments full of exotic vegetation that many foreign birds find inviting. So, stay posted for news on these lovebirds--you may be hearing more about them if they are added to the ABA list. Meanwhile, if you are in the Phoenix area, keep your eyes peeled for these small green, orange, and blue parrots. (photo:about.com)

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I've been seeing these birds in my neighborhood lately, too! this morning I saw three of them hanging out together. Does anyone know how they ended up in Phoenix?

Anonymous said...

I live in central phoenix at 13th ave and Thomas and have been been feeding them for over 6 months I have seen 12 at one time on the feeder they are such a delight to have in the back yard.

ttocsnsac@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I was wondering; I spotted a large number of the birds while at Steele Indian School Park a few days ago. I thought the birds might be parakeets. Here’s some video: http://www.vimeo.com/8522433

Jennifer said...

I had the pleasure of seeing these birds again today and have updated the video to include some new footage and pictures. There's a really cute "exchange" between the lovebirds. Enjoy! Video: http://www.vimeo.com/8639782

Anonymous said...

There's a very big colony of them roosting in the mesquite trees along the PV side of the Arizona Canal near 32nd street.

Anonymous said...

I photographed about 20 in my back yard July 3, 2011 all just hanging out.

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