While the term “lovebirds” has become a popular figure of speech, it’s also the common name for the Agapornis bird. This bird is a type of parrot that is native to the continent of Africa and can be found throughout the eastern and southern regions.
The animals typically travel in pairs, which is why many couples are referred to as lovebirds.
A little history behind the love birds that inspired Chaucer to invent Valentine’s Day, the well-known celebration of love.
Geoffrey Chaucer was the first to link the Catholic martyr Valentine with love in his poem, Parlement of Foules (1382), written to celebrate the anniversary of the engagement of King Richard II to Anne of Bohemia. In this earliest of valentines, all the birds, the whole parliament of fowls, are gathered in the Garden of Love:
For this was on seynt Valentynes day
When every foul comyth there to chese his make
(For this was on Saint Valentine’s day
When every bird came there to choose his mate)
Below are five fun facts of lovebirds
1. There are more than one species of lovebird.
2. Lovebirds are from Africa.
3. Lovebirds live in holes.
4. Lovebirds can be mean.
5. Lovebirds (sort of) inspired Valentine’s Day.
