Comments on: The Feral Lovebirds of Phoenix

By: Mark Altman

Mark Altman — Fri, 03 Sep 2021 09:24:46 +0000

The most interesting is that the feral lovebirds are very chatty, and have loud, high-pitched voices. They make noise throughout the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon.

By: Karen Young

Karen Young — Thu, 18 Feb 2021 21:49:39 +0000

Just as a point of clarification, I live in Sun City and there are flocks here with bird numbers in the thousands. I have a food and water station for them and at a time I can count 50 of them on my patio. Of course they also talk with my lovebird and cockatiel through the window which is a big draw. They are everywhere out here. Such a beautiful sight to see!!!

By: BirdDoctor

BirdDoctor — Fri, 24 Jul 2020 13:26:37 +0000

In reply to julie.

Julie,

Unfortunately most invasive species are exempt from being humanely killed. Most states have laws prohibiting animal cruelty. however, the specifics for invasive species is not always clear. There are few if any protections in place for invasive parrots. To find out more, you would need to consult with the department dealing with wildlife/natural resources in your state and possibly county/city.

M. Scott Echols, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice)

By: julie

julie — Thu, 23 Jul 2020 18:36:02 +0000

I just heard of this couple that is shooting and killing the lovebirds that come into their backyard. Isn’t that illegal or something? I love watching them in our yard.

By: Lynda

Lynda — Wed, 22 May 2019 02:13:57 +0000

A colony? As in one? Oh no no no my fine feathered friend, they have taken over Phoenix and the surrounding cities. They number in the thousands if not hundreds of thousands in Tempe at the ASU campus alone! They are literally in every neighborhood in the valley. And the more date palms there are with nice green trees and a water source, the greater the number. They are in the Arcadia area, they are in the Biltmore area, ASU and old town Tempe, they are in Paradise Valley and Scottsdale, they are in Glendale and Peoria. Well, you get the picture. I have lived here since 1968 and way back then you could occasionally see the NATIVE parrots along the open canals. They have been gone from the Phoenix area for years and years now, though I do believe they can still be found in Tucson. I have heard many stories of how the love birds got here. One story is a semi turned over and they got loose that way, one story tells of a pet store owner or was it a love bird breeder went out of business and let them all go. But however they got here they have multiplied like crazy. You don’t find them in desert-y places where there isn’t any green or water too much though so the native birds are good as long as they stick to the more desert areas. I like seeing them as well, but I like you, wonder about the native species. The native parrots of Phoenix are long gone, I would hate to see the doves go the same way. I don’t know the answer and apparently no one else does either, or they just don’t think it is very high up the priority list of city duties. I like to think of them kind of like snow birds (retirees from back east) visiting Phoenix. There here for the winter and then go back home for the summer.. Maybe we could capture and round up all the love birds and take them back to their home countries they are from too? Its a thought……

By: spotdvm

spotdvm — Wed, 10 Aug 2011 21:05:49 +0000

In reply to Ludwig A. Konopka. Ludwig, While I do not know the local laws in Phoenix or Arizona, I would recommend contacting Fish and Game officials to discuss the issue. Scott Echols

By: Ludwig A. Konopka

Ludwig A. Konopka — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 00:25:28 +0000

There is a colony in my neighborhood; recently this disease has manifested. Anything I can do?