How Long Do Lovebirds Live? (Lovebird Lifespan)

Lovebirds are small, brightly colored Old World parrots native to Africa that, once they find their “soul mate,” can become very loyal, loving companions. They are often kept as pets in family homes, including cages and aviaries, and can also form a strong bond with their human owners.

These sociable birds have been known to become extremely tired when separated from their mates. But how long do lovebirds live, and does the loss of a beloved mate affect their lifespan?

In the wild, lovebirds typically live anywhere from 5 to 15 years. Habitat loss, severe weather events and predation can shorten their lives. In captivity, it is not uncommon for lovebirds to live into their 20s, and in rare cases, individual birds will live into their 30s.

There are nine species of lovebirds that vary in life expectancy in the wild and in captivity. Most of the data we have is for lovebirds kept as pets, whose typical lifespan is between 12 and 15 years. In the wild, this is considered much shorter.

But what affects the lifespan of lovebirds, and does captivity always guarantee a longer lifespan? If you’re interested in finding out, keep reading!

Captive lovebirds typically live 10 to 20 years

How long do lovebirds live as pets?

For lovebirds in captivity, the average lifespan is between 10 and 20 years, with 12 to 15 years being typical. The oldest recorded lovebird is said to have reached 34 years old.

The average lifespans of the different lovebird breeds kept as pets are as follows:

• Masked Lovebirds: 10-20 years
• Lillian’s Lovebirds: 10-12 years old
• Red-faced lovebirds: 15-25 years old
• Fisher’s Lovebirds: up to 20 years
• Black Winged Lovebirds: 15 years
• Black collar lovebirds: 10-15 years old

How long do lovebirds live in the wild?

Wild lovebirds often (but not always) have a shorter life expectancy than those living as pets. Detailed studies of the lifespan of individual lovebirds in the wild are lacking.

Wild lovebirds can live anywhere from 5 to 15 years, and factors such as food and water availability, predation, and weather events have a major impact on their survival potential.

A pair of Fisher’s lovebirds in the wild

How long do lovebirds live alone?

Lovebirds thrive in company and need a lot of attention and stimulation to lead healthy lives. Even in pairs, captive lovebirds shouldn’t be left alone for more than 12 hours at a time, and they require a lot of social interaction.

Lovebirds often display deep grief in the event of the loss of a mate, although contrary to popular belief, there’s no guarantee they’ll leave the perch anytime soon either.

“Widowed” lovebirds will continue to have the same life expectancy as any other bird in their class, provided they are monitored for physical signs of distress and loneliness, such as excessive plucking.

How Do Most Lovebirds Die?

In the wild, predation and habitat loss are key factors that can end lovebirds’ lives prematurely. Lovebird populations can be affected by unusual and extreme weather events as well as illegal capture for the pet trade.

Captive lovebirds are prone to malnutrition and common bird diseases, including beak and feather disease and self-mutilation from excessive plucking.

Closeup of a perched Lillian lovebird

What is the life cycle of a lovebird?

Whether in the wild or in captivity, nesting lovebirds lay a clutch of 4 to 6 eggs within a week of mating. The eggs are then incubated by the female for an average of 21 to 23 days.

After about 43 days, the young lovebirds are ready to sprout their wings, but the parents will continue to care for them for two weeks. They begin to molt at about 5 months of age, after which their feathers become more vigorous.

At 10 months of age, lovebirds are considered to have reached sexual maturity, and many lovebirds breed for the first time at around a year and a half, forming strong monogamous bonds with their mates.

Close up of a pair of Fischer Lovebird chicks

What are the natural enemies of lovebirds?

In their native habitat, Lanner falcons are one of the main predators of lovebirds. Humans also pose a significant threat to wild lovebirds, and illegal capture for the pet trade is an ongoing and serious problem in many parts of their native habitat.

How old was the oldest lovebird?

According to anecdotal records, the lifespan of the peach-faced lovesickness exceeds 34 years, and the lifespan of the Fei’s lovesickness can reach 32 years. However, these claims could not be verified.

Close-up of a black-winged lovebird

How long can lovebirds live without eating?

Like all birds, lovebirds, both wild and captive, need to eat and drink regularly to maintain good health. If birds do not drink water, they will become dehydrated quickly and will need to drink clean water every day.

If a lovebird does not eat for more than 2 days, its health will drop rapidly and noticeably. Captive lovebirds who suddenly stop eating should seek the advice of a professional avian veterinarian.

Are Lovebirds Endangered?

There are nine species of lovebirds. In the wild, six of these are listed as species of least concern. Of the three remaining species, the Fischer’s and Niassa’s lovebirds are listed as Near Threatened. Although not yet listed as endangered, black-cheeked lovebirds are in severe decline and they are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

Severe decline in black-cheeked lovebirds

How do you know the age of a lovebird?

Young lovebirds are born with black spots on their bills, which disappear once they reach about 6 months of age. Another telltale sign of a relatively young lovebird is its eyes — brown or, in rare cases, red in fully grown lovebirds, and much darker in younger lovebirds.

Birds undergo their first molt at about 5 months of age, after which their plumage becomes brighter and darker. After a year old, it’s nearly impossible to tell a lovebird’s age based on appearance alone.

Do lovebirds need to be in pairs?

While lovebirds do thrive in company, they can live on their own as long as their owners are willing to invest a lot of time and energy in keeping them busy and excited.

In the wild, lovebirds are gregarious birds that live close together, groom each other and forage in flocks. They will choose a mate from the flock.

Two Fischer’s lovebirds in the wild

Do male or female lovebirds live longer?

There is no available research to support the theory that male lovebirds live longer than females, or vice versa.

Do older lovebirds sleep more?

As lovebirds age, their energy levels begin to drop and they gradually become less active and more composed. Under optimal conditions, lovebirds need 10 to 12 hours of sleep per night, but older birds have been observed to rest even longer.

Can Lovebirds Live 20 Years?

With good nutrition, safe and stimulating living conditions, and access to professional medical care, it’s not unheard of for lovebirds to live 20 years or more in captivity. In the wild, however, this is much less likely.