Lovebird
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Most species of lovebird live on mainland Africa, with some inhabiting the islands of Madagascar, Zanzibar and the Seychelles. They are found in a variety of habitats from tropical rainforest to coastal areas. Lovebird live up to their name. Paired lovebirds show each other plenty of affection, cudding up together and scratching each other’s heads. These demonstrative little birds form and extremely close bond with their mate that lasts a lifetime. Tiny, acrobatic parrots, they range in length from 13 cm to 17 cm, depending on the species. The smallest is the Madagascar lovebird. All nine species originally come from Africa. Love birds are generally green with brightly coloured markings, and feathered or naked eye-rings that characterize each species. They are great mimics.
Chatter, Chatter, Chatter
Lovebird are chatterboxes. Depending on the species, their calls are sharp and metallic, shrill and high-pitched, or twittering. These sociable birds live in colonies of about 20 (although flocks of black-cheeked lovebirds can number up to 100). Colony members work together when searching for food and caring for their young. When a colony becomes too big and the birds begin in fighting, some break away and form new colonies, with a male as leader. Different species exhibit different behaviour: the grey headed lovebird, for instance, cleans its feathers by hanging upside down from a branch in a rainstorm.
Part of body
- Characteristic two-toes-forward, two-toes-back grip allows bird to hold tight to a branch.
- Short-tailed bird with small, solid build
- Both sexes have a bright blue patch, or rump, at the base of their tail
- Plumage generally green with brightly coloured markings that differ according to species
- High set eyes give wide field of vision
Statistics
- status – black cheeked endangered; Fischers masked and Nyasa vulnerable; others locally common
- wingspan – 23-30 cm
- length – 13-17 cm
- weight – around 50 g
- migration – non migrant
- plumage – sexes alike, except for red-faced, Madagascar and Abyssinian
- sexual maturity – 1year
- breeding season – varies between species
- incubation period – 22-23 days
- number of eggs – 3-8, usually 3-4
- breeding interval – 1 year
- diet – fruits, seeds, nuts, grasses and insects
- lifespan – 6-7 years
Love and hate
Since they were first imported to Europe over 100 years ago, lovebirds have been populars pets. Trapping for the pet trade has led to serious declines in the populations of most species. Legal protection is helping to increase wild populations, but recovery is slow. New threats include habitat destruction through agriculture and the fact that lovebirds are shot, trapped or poisoned to keep them from raiding farmers seed crops.
[tags]birds, lovebird, animal[/tags]
