Although native parrots no longer live in North America, many pet parrots and their allies, like Cockatiels, have escaped or have been released to the wild. Some of these establish colonies, particularly around temperate southern cities, sometimes thriving for years. One of these, a colony of Peach-faced Lovebirds, is attracting birders to a protected natural area near Phoenix, Arizona.
The Riparian Reserve at the Water Ranch in Gilbert, Arizona
The suburban community of Gilbert lies just outside of the sprawling metropolitan Phoenix city limits. A groundwater recharge facility there consists of several reclaimed water ponds and the larger Water Ranch Lake. Mesquites, cottonwoods, Velvet Ash and Black Willow trees are found throughout the area, which attracts many resident and migratory birds, especially ducks, herons and other water birds. Flocks of Northern Pintails gather on the water in winter, joining Black-necked Stilts, Great Blue Herons and Ruddy Ducks. Brushy areas around the lakes attract Costa's and Anna's Hummingbirds, Great-tailed Grackles, Common Yellowthroat and many warblers, like the Yellow-rumped.
With an ever-changing lineup of bird species, the riparian reserve also attracts birders from around the state and beyond. However, unsuspecting birders or locals out for exercise are often surprised by a non-native bird that looks like it belongs in the tropics, the Peach-faced Lovebird.
The Peach-faced Lovebird from Africa's Namib Desert
Southwest Africa is home to the native Peach-faced Lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis), also known as the Rosy-faced Lovebird. Although a member of the parrot family, the Peach-faced Lovebird is only seven inches in length. Its coloration is striking, with green plumage, a rosy-peach face and a bright blue rump. In captivity, the bird is affectionate, playful, intelligent and easy to care for. Consequently, Peach-faced Lovebirds are popular pets, widely available and inexpensive.
Peach-faced Lovebirds are quite social and natural companions. In the wild or in captivity, they sleep side-by-side, with their faces turned toward their mate, giving rise to the name "lovebirds". Females also are unique in gathering nesting material, twisting it onto their backs and flying far back to their nests.
Like other pet birds, Peach-faced Lovebirds occasionally escape into the wild, or are released intentionally by their owners. In temperate climates like Arizona and Florida, these escapees are capable of surviving for years, even without reproducing, and a significant colony of Peach-faced Lovebirds is well-established at the Riparian Reserve at the Gilbert Water Ranch.
Finding Peach-faced Lovebirds at the Gilbert Water Ranch near Phoenix
From the parking lot, a trail heads left between the main lake and reclaimed water ponds. This trail can be taken as a loop, curving right around the main lake and returning to the parking area. Peach-faced Lovebirds can often be found in pairs, with as many as a dozen in the same general area. Look in the mesquite trees for bright flashes of blue, green and rose. The birds can also be found foraging on the ground, again in groups, together with sparrows and towhees.
Once located, the lovebirds will often perch in the open in bright sunlight, giving the photographer plenty of opportunities to take good pictures.
Getting to the Riparian Reserve at the Gilbert Water Ranch
From Phoenix, travel east on State Highway 60 toward Apache Junction. Pass the Gilbert Road exit and continue east to Greenfield Road. Exit south and turn left (east) on Guadalupe Road to the Reserve's entrance on your right.
Finding Parrots and Other Tropicals in the U.S.
Although parrots are no longer native to the U.S., pet owners have contributed to surviving colonies of non-native birds in several southern locations. One of these, at the Riparian Reserve in Gilbert, Arizona, is a good place to see Peach-faced Lovebirds.
Bob Bowers - A lifelong naturalist and amateur ornithologist, Bob's avocation is studying, photographing and writing about birds.
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