Lovebirds love to huddle together and preen one another, but contrary to popular belief, they don't need mates to thrive. A lovebird kept singly and given plenty of attention by its human will make a fine pet, just like almost any other parrot. The peach-faced (agapornis roseicollis) lovebird and its many color mutations are the most popular types of this small green African parrot with the brightly colored head. Masked (Agapornis personatus) and Fischer's (Agapornis fischeri) lovebirds are also common pets. The six remaining species, including the grey-headed (Agapornis canis), red-faced (Agapornis pullarius) and black-winged (Agapornis taranta), are relatively rare or unavailable as pets. 

Countries of origin: African continent and adjacent islands, including Angola, Bioko, Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guine, Liberia, Madagascar, Mozambique, Namibia, Principe, Sao Tome, Sierra Leone, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zaire, Zambia, Zimbabwe Size: Small, stout. 5 to 6 inches long and about 50 grams (less than two ounces). 

Personality: Lively, comical, chatty. Affectionate if handled frequently, but can be nippy and voice can be shrill. 

Talking ability: Poor to moderate. 

Average lifespan: 15-30 years.