Two red-billed leiothrixes are spotted at Baihejian Mountain in Lishui. [Photo/Tide News]

A pair of red-billed leiothrixes, also known as the lovebirds of the forest, were recently photographed by a biodiversity surveyor in Yunhe county, Lishui, in East China's Zhejiang province.

The colorful birds are a national second-class protected species in China. They have a distinctive plumage with olive green, pale yellow, red, yellow and creamy yellow colors. They also have slender bodies and melodious songs.

The red-billed leiothrix is a symbol of faithful love in China. [Photo/Tide News]

According to the surveyor, Chen Zhiwei, red-billed leiothrix mainly live in evergreen broad-leaved forests and mixed forests at an altitude of 1,200-2,800 meters. In winter, they move to lower altitudes below 1,000 meters. They feed on insects and plants and sometimes eat a small amount of crops.

The red-billed leiothrixes are known for their strong bonds and intimacy. They often snuggle and groom each other and are inseparable for life. Chinese people often regard them as a representation of faithful love.