Black-masked Lovebird

Scientific name: Agapornis personata
Family: Psittacidae
Order: Psittaciformes
Class: Aves

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Lovebirds, in general, are small, stocky versions of parrots and are considered "Old world parrots." They usually grow to about an average of fifteen centimeters long depending on care and diet. Lovebirds have a larger hooked upper mandible or beak that is hinged to the skull, and a reversible fourth toe. Although their natural voices are harsh, their thick, fleshy tongues and voice apparatus allow a wide range of articulations, including the imitation of the human voice.

The Black-masked lovebird in particular has an overall black head and the true plumage color is green with a yellow collar. Another consistent characteristic of this species is a white ring that encircles both eyes. Other than the traditional green, lovebirds of this species have also been seen in a variety of color morphs, one of the most popular in the western region of the world is the blue morph.

What do they sound like?

DISTRIBUTION and HABITAT:

Black-masked lovebirds are African in origin and can be found on inland plateaus in northeast Tanzania where they live in light brushwood and trees. This species was first discovered in the late 1800's but was not imported into the western region of the world until the 1920's. Lovebirds are not solitary; they will form small nesting colonies in the wild. Black-masked lovebirds, and their variations, are now some of the most common avian pets to be found in homes across America and Europe.

BEHAVIOR:

The behavior of Black-masked lovebirds is one of the reasons why they are so popular and easily kept as pets. Friendly and sociable by nature, they are commonly kept in captivity as a pair and lavish much attention on their mate or partner. Bonds are established early in life between individual couples and are maintained for the duration of their lives. Couples can be seen grooming each other and feeding one another from the crop by regurgitation.

If kept alone, lovebirds still need attention from owners to ensure their well-being and health.

These birds can show signs of aggression during encounters with a rival, a newly introduced individual, or if spooked by human actions. To avoid these situations, a lovebird couple will usually remain isolated from other birds while in captivity. In the wild, however, lovebirds will tend to move in small groups even if they may belong to a larger flock.

DIET:

Lovebirds are accustomed to a main diet of various seeds and grains, which are derived from the grassy environment, certain types of tree bark and also small insects. While in captivity, lovebirds will often need their seed diet supplemented with vegetables like romaine lettuce, broccoli, watercress, fruit such as apples, vitamins, and minerals. Lovebirds are also great water drinkers and prefer to nest close to large bodies of water.

BREEDING and NESTING:

Black-masked lovebirds commonly breed between the ages of ten months and five to six years, during this time they may produce several egg clutches within a single year. This is favorable to bird enthusiasts who breed them in captivity and accounts for much of their popularity in the pet trade from their homeland in Africa to family homes in the United States. During breeding season the behavior between partners will change: the male displays more agitated behavior, the female begins nesting, and appetite increases for both sexes.

The nests are almost entirely made by the females and the three to six eggs are incubated for about twenty-three days. The hatchlings will be cared for by the female until they leave the nest at about six weeks of age. The father then takes over the feeding of the young birds for another two weeks or so until they reach independence.

Breeding infrequently occurs between different species in captivity and less often in the wild, and the hybrids yielded can often be very successful and fertile. Cross Breeding by humans yield some colorful varieties of lovebirds, such as the popular blue mutation, other various colors and several albino mutations have also been seen.

The viability of hybrids can be a danger to the continued existence of the nine true species of lovebirds. Captive breeding may yield several broods that are either sold or bred, and there is no public record presently available of a complete species population.

Lovebirds in the wild have natural predators and a higher immunity to avian related diseases, whereas captive lovebirds are sheltered from predators and need extra care and hygiene to prevent illness. Regardless of the natural and human forces working against them, the Black- masked lovebird numbers and popularity are high and still growing.

Wild Population: The exact number of most species of lovebirds is unknown both in the wild and in captivity. Endangered species are the black-cheeked lovebird and the Madagascar lovebird.