If you live in the Valley, you have almost certainly seen or heard them. Those small, bright green birds with peach-colored faces that travel in noisy flocks through palm trees and backyards are a familiar sight in many neighborhoods across Phoenix and the West Valley.

These colorful birds are not native to Arizona. Wildlife experts believe today’s flocks descend from pet lovebirds that escaped or were released several decades ago. Instead of disappearing, they adapted surprisingly well to the desert, finding food, water, and nesting spots in urban landscapes filled with palm trees, irrigated yards, and canals.

Originally from southwestern Africa, Peach-faced lovebird are well suited to hot, dry climates, which helps explain why they thrive here. You will usually see them in small, chatty flocks, especially in the mornings and evenings. Phoenix is now considered one of the only major U.S. cities with a stable population of wild lovebirds, making them a charming and unexpected part of daily life in the Valley of the Sun.

Keep an eye and an ear out. Once you notice them, you will start seeing them everywhere.