Phoenix's Rosy-Faced Lovebirds Thrive in the Desert

The largest colony of these African parrots outside their native range has adapted to the Arizona climate by nesting near air conditioning.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A colony of rosy-faced lovebirds, originally from the Namib Desert in Africa, has established itself in Phoenix, Arizona, where it is believed to be the largest population of these birds outside their native range. The lovebirds, known for their lifelong pair bonds, have adapted to the desert climate by nesting near sources of air conditioning and taking advantage of the city's urban environment.

Why it matters

The lovebirds' ability to thrive in an environment so different from their native habitat highlights their adaptability as a species. Their presence in Phoenix also provides an opportunity to study how non-native species can integrate into new ecosystems and the potential impacts, both positive and negative, that this can have.

The details

The rosy-faced lovebirds are believed to have first arrived in Phoenix in the 1980s, either through escaped or released pets or by flying all the way from Africa. Today, the population is estimated at around 2,000 birds. The lovebirds can be seen nesting in the holes of cacti and palm trees, and they often congregate near air conditioning vents to stay cool on hot days. While some view the lovebirds as an invasive species, others admire their resilience and adaptability to the desert environment.

  • The rosy-faced lovebirds were first noticed in the Phoenix area in the 1980s.
  • The current population is estimated to be around 2,000 birds.

The players

Robert Carter

A volunteer for the Maricopa Bird Alliance who leads bird walks in the Phoenix area.

Kenn Kaufman

Field editor for Audubon magazine who has written about lovebirds.

Dr. Stephanie Lamb

Associate veterinarian and bird specialist at the Arizona Exotic Animal Hospital.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“They definitely show a sense of resilience to the situation that they're in.”

— Robert Carter, Maricopa Bird Alliance volunteer (The Associated Press)

“While Phoenix's lovebirds are believed to be the largest, most firmly established colony outside of Africa, there are also fairly well-established colonies of rosy-faced lovebirds in parts of Hawaii — on the Big Island and in Maui.”

— Kenn Kaufman, Audubon magazine field editor (The Associated Press)

“Then everything's good.”

— Dr. Stephanie Lamb, Associate veterinarian and bird specialist (The Associated Press)

The takeaway

The success of the rosy-faced lovebirds in Phoenix demonstrates the remarkable adaptability of certain species and raises questions about the potential impacts, both positive and negative, of non-native species establishing themselves in new environments.