Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. a bond
    • ex. There is a special bond between parents and children.
  2. a mate
    • ex. Many birds choose their mates during the spring breeding season.
  3. for life
    • ex. She believes marriage should last for life.
  4. court
    • ex. Male birds often court females by singing and showing their bright feathers.
  5. peck
    • ex. The bird pecked at the seeds on the ground.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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Rosy-faced lovebirds are popular pets around the world. But in Phoenix, Arizona, these small parrots live freely in the wild. Arizona is believed to have the largest group of these birds outside Africa. The birds were first seen in the city in the 1980s. Experts think some may have escaped from homes or pet stores. Today, about 2,000 lovebirds live in the area.

Lovebirds are known for forming strong bonds with their mates. Many of them stay together for life. They often sit close together and clean each other’s feathers. They also feed each other, not only when they court a partner but throughout their lives. This care helps keep their relationship strong.

 

Lovebirds can live about 20 years. However, they do not always behave perfectly. Like other parrots, they sometimes fight. They may scream or peck each other with their sharp mouths. After a short time apart, one bird usually moves closer again, and the pair returns to sitting side by side.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.

Photo Credits: The Associated Press

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Lovebirds

  • Do you think lovebirds are interesting? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Lovebirds are popular pets around the world. Why do you think this is the case? Discuss.
  • In Phoenix, Arizona, lovebirds live freely in the wild. What kind of birds are common in your city/town? Discuss.

Things to Learn from Lovebirds

  • Lovebirds are known for forming strong bonds with their mates. What do you think might help humans form strong bonds? Discuss.
  • Many lovebirds also stay together with their mates for life. In your opinion, what can humans learn from this quality of lovebirds? Discuss.
  • Lovebirds sometimes fight and peck each other. Do you think it's okay for people in a relationship to fight sometimes? Why or why not? Discuss.