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Peach-faced Lovebird (Rosy-faced Lovebird)
Contour feather (Body feather, likely rump, lower back, or upper tail coverts)

Peach-faced Lovebird (Rosy-faced Lovebird)

Kingdom: Animalia > Phylum: Chordata > Class: Aves > Order: Psittaciformes > Family: Psittaculidae > Genus: Agapornis > Species: A. roseicollis

AI-generated identification · may be incorrect

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
Learn more about Peach-faced Lovebird (Rosy-faced Lovebird) in the encyclopedia →

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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

Rachis & Barb Pattern

Thin, pale beige-to-white central rachis; barbs radiate neatly in the upper distal two-thirds, creating a smooth visual surface with fine light refraction

Texture & Surface

Smooth, slightly glossy upper surface due to structural light scattering (Tyndall effect / spongy layer in barb cortex); soft, downy base

Feather Placement

Rump, mantle, or upper tail coverts, where bright turquoise-blue and vivid lime-green tones blend together above the tail 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.

Cultural Significance

Widely kept in aviculture globally as companion birds; captive breeding has produced dozens of color mutations including lutino, turquoise, and violet.

Field Identification Tips

Look for the intense blue-to-green transition on small body feathers shed during annual post-breeding molts around cages, aviaries, or feral nesting sites.

Condition Notes

Good condition; slight separation of barbs along the lower left trailing edge, typical of natural shedding/molting