Supposed you search for “Lovebird” on Google, Bing or whichever search engine of your preference, you are likely to come across this definition: A lovebird is a parrot under the common name of Agapornis. The lovebird is mostly native to Africa, with the exception of the grey headed lovebird which hails from Madagascar.
This Smithsonian article which lists 14 fun facts on the lovebird would tell you that lovebirds mate for life and lead a monogamous lifestyle. Perhaps that is the reason why the term “lovebirds” are also used to describe a Homo Sapien couple, in the hopes that the relationship emulates the positive and desirable traits of a lovebird bond pair.
So what are some of the behavoirs of lovebirds which people desire in a relationship?
Mutual faithfulness to one’s partner and perhaps pining for one another in their absence. Some may deem the latter as a positive action while others might be creeped out by it.
Promiscuity in lovebirds
Lovebirds (the actual birds, not the human couple) are known to be rather promiscuous and display a tendency to cheat despite already forming a bond pair with another lovebird. This polyamorous behavior brings about the vibrant and diverse colors of the lovebird’s feathers. Birdkeepers even have to physically separate paired lovebirds from other lovebirds to be certain of the true parentage of any offspring.
Lovebirds generally are not sexually dimorphic, their physical appearance and size are largely similar across both genders. Thus, they are more likely to remain in a bond pair relationship, much like humans although there is some degree of dimorphism as seen from the slightly larger build of males compared to females. A positive correlation has been established between lack of sexual dimorphism in a species to displays of monogamy behavior.
Most nations and communities today promote monogamous relationships and affairs are usually frowned upon from a moral standpoint. Many countries prohibit polygamy, although affairs and cheating are not specifically forbidden in the eyes of the law as far as I know.
The irony therefore manifests in the contrast between the idea of a faithful relationship so desired by humans and the polyamourous tendencies of the very model it seeks to emulate and idolize.