Rosy-faced lovebird
Agapornis roseicollis
There is moderate risk associated with keeping this species as a pet, as explained below. Prospective pet owners should research if they can safely keep the animal for its lifetime, including housing, proper food and veterinary care, and be sure it can be kept as a pet in their jurisdiction.
© Jeff Duerr
Assessment results
Moderate risk
Conservation | Moderate risk
This animal is likely to be threatened by extinction in the wild, and/or it is subject to international trade controls due to demand in the pet trade. Please check that the animal you want comes from a reputable seller or rescue center that follows best practices when they source their animals. Learn more about wildlife conservation and the pet trade.
Legality | Low risk
This animal is not currently protected by any national laws or import restrictions. Exotic pet ownership, however, is regulated at the state, county, or city level, so check your jurisdiction to see if you can own it.
Human and public health | Moderate risk
It is likely that this animal is a potential threat to human or public health, either due to potential zoonotic diseases or due to physical attributes that can harm humans. Learn more about animal-related illness and injuries.
Invasiveness | Low risk
This species would not likely impact native biodiversity or habitats. However, never release a pet into the wild for any reason.
Animal welfare | Moderate risk
Care, diet, and housing needs of this species are either insufficiently known or difficult, making it hard to ensure it has a good quality of life for its lifetime. Learn more about the challenges with exotic pet welfare.
⚠️ Important considerations
- Rosy-faced lovebird housing, diet, and social needs are hard to meet in captivity. They need hours of stimulation and social time outside of their cage each day, along with a rotating variety of toys and space to fly. They are prone to behavioral issues without enough exercise, stimulation, and social interaction. They are very social birds that should be kept in at least pairs.
- Rosy-faced lovebirds are an introduced species in many parts of the US due to escaped pets. Ensure you have a secure location to keep your pet and take it to a rescue shelter or trusted home if you can no longer keep it.
- Ensure you have access to a veterinarian that specializes in birds and consult them about proper habitat set up, diet, and care. Find an avian vet near you.
Basic information
Taxonomy:
Psittaciformes, Psittaculidae
Lifespan:
10-15 years in the wild, 15-25 years in captivity
Weight:
38-56 g
Size:
5-7 in (12-18 cm), 3.8-4.2 in (9.8-10.6 cm) wingspan
Native range and habitat:
Dry woodlands near permanent standing water of southwestern Africa
Diet:
Fruit, grasses, seeds, and vegetables; in captivity, a pelleted diet can be supplemented with various fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and 5% of their diet should be seeds
Activity and behavior:
- A very social bird that usually travels with groups of 5 to 20 birds or more; they allopreen (social-grooming) to communicate and bond
- They are most active during the day, flying short distances and glide, but also walk for movement
© WWF-Japan