Lovebird 62404 226066742 2008-07-16T18:00:44Z Snowmanradio 626138 /* Species */ for presentation on wider screens {{refimprove|date=March 2008}} {{Taxobox | name = Lovebird | status = LC | image = Peach-faced Lovebird -eating seeds from tree.jpg | image_caption =[[Peach-faced Lovebird]] eating from a tree | image_width = 300px | regnum = [[Animal]]ia | phylum = [[Chordate|Chordata]] | classis = [[bird|Aves]] | ordo = [[Psittaciformes]] | familia = [[true parrots|Psittacidae]] | subfamilia = [[Psittacinae]] | tribus = [[Psittaculini]] | genus = '''''Agapornis''''' | genus_authority = [[Prideaux John Selby|Selby]], 1836 | subdivision_ranks = Species | subdivision = Nine - see text }} '''Lovebird''' is the commonly used name for the [[genus]], ''Agapornis'' (from the [[Greek language|Greek]] agape, for love, and ornis, for Bird), and can refer to any of the nine species of the genus. They are a social and affectionate small [[parrot]]. Eight species of the genus are native to the African continent and the Madagascar Lovebird is native to Madagascar. The name Lovebird stems from these parrots' pair bonding. This is reflected by the bird's name in other languages: in [[German language|German]], "die unzertrennlichen", and in [[French language|French]] "les inséparables", both meaning "the inseparables". Lovebirds live in small flocks and eat mainly [[fruit]], [[vegetable]]s, some grasses and seed. Abyssinian Lovebirds also eat [[insect]]s and [[fig]]s, and the Black-collared Lovebirds have a special dietary requirement for native figs making them almost impossible to keep in captivity. Some species of the genus are amongst the most popular parrots kept as pets, and several colour mutations have been selectively breed in aviculture. Their average lifespan is 10 to 15 years.<ref name = "DA 2003">{{cite book |first = David| last = Alderton | title = The ultimate encyclopedia of caged and aviary birds | isbn = 184309164X |pages= p. 216–219| publisher = Hermes House |location = London, England | year = 2003}}</ref> ==Description== Lovebirds vary in size from about 13 to 17 centimeters in length and from about 40 to 60 grams in weight. They are among the smallest parrots in the world, and they are characterized by a stocky build, a short blunt tail, and a relatively large beak for their overall size. Wild-type lovebirds are mostly green with a variety of colours on their upper body depending on the species. The Fischer's Lovebird, Black-cheeked Lovebird, and the Masked Lovebirds have a white ring around their eyes. The Abyssinian Lovebird, the Madagascar Lovebird, and the Red-faced Lovebird are [[Sexual dimorphism|sexually dimorphic]]. Many color mutations have been produced by selective breeding in the species that are popular in aviculture.<ref name = KLB/> ==Taxonomy== [[Image:Agapornis phylogeny.svg|right|thumb|Phylogeny of the genus ''Agapornis'' based on molecular evidence.<ref>Eberhard, Jessica R. (1998): Evolution of nest-building behavior in ''Agapornis'' parrots. ''[[The Auk]]'' '''115'''(2):455-464.</ref> The species with the red line is currently unplaced in the phylogeny, but does belong to this genus.]] There are nine species and several several subspecies in the loverbird genus.<ref name = KLB>{{cite book |first = Kenny |last = Le Breton |title = Lovebirds...getting started |page =pp. 84–98 |isbn =0866224114 |publisher = T.F.H. Publictions |location = USA}}</ref> Eight of them are native in the mainland of [[Africa]] and the Madagascar Lovebird is native to [[Madagascar]]. In the wild the different species are separated geographically. Species and subspecies: *[[Peach-faced Lovebird]], ''Agapornis roseicollis'', (Vieillot, 1818) — or Rosy-faced Lovebird ** ''Agapornis roseicollis catumbella'', B.P. Hall, 1952 ** ''Agapornis roseicollis roseicollis'', (Vieillot 1818) *[[Masked Lovebird]], ''Agapornis personatus'', Reichenow, 1887 — or Yellow-collared Lovebird *[[Fischer's Lovebird]], ''Agapornis fischeri'', Reichenow, 1887 *[[Lilian's Lovebird]], ''Agapornis lilianae'', Shelley, 1894 — or Nyasa Lovebird *[[Black-cheeked Lovebird]], ''Agapornis nigrigenis'', W.L. Sclater, 1906 *[[Madagascar Lovebird]], ''Agapornis canus'', (Gmelin, 1788) — or Grey-headed Lovebird ** ''Agapornis canus ablectaneus'', Bangs, 1918 ** ''Agapornis canus canus'', (Gmelin, 1788) *[[Abyssinian Lovebird]], ''Agapornis taranta'', (Stanley, 1814) — or Black-winged Lovebird *[[Red-faced Lovebird]], ''Agapornis pullarius'', (Linnaeus, 1758) — or Red-headed Lovebird ** ''Agapornis pullarius pullarius'', (Linnaeus, 1758) ** ''Agapornis pullarius ugandae'', Neumann, 1908 *[[Black-collared Lovebird]], ''Agapornis swindernianus'', (Kuhl, 1820) — or Swindern's Lovebird ** ''Agapornis swindernianus emini'', Neumann, 1908 ** ''Agapornis swindernianus swindernianus'', (Kuhl, 1820) ** ''Agapornis swindernianus zenkeri'', Reichenow, 1895 ==Species== {| width = 98% class="wikitable" ! align="center" style="background-color: #D3D3A4" colspan ="4" |'''Species''' (wild-types) |- ! width = "21%" |Common and binomial names ! Photograph ! align="center" |Description<ref name = KLB/> ! width = "18%" |Range |- |[[Peach-faced Lovebird]]<br>or Rosy-faced Lovebird<br>(''Agapornis roseicollis'') |<center>[[Image:Agapornis roseicollis -Peach-faced Lovebird pet on perch.jpg|500x120px]]</center> |15 cm (6 in) long. Mostly green, orange face, blue lower back and rump, horn-coloured beak |Africa |- |[[Masked Lovebird]]<br>or Yellow-collared Lovebird<br>(''Agapornis personata'') |<center>[[Image:Masked Lovebird (Agapornis personata) pet on cage.png|500x120px]]</center> |14 cm (5.5 in) long. Mostly green, black head, yellow upper chest continuous with yellow collar, red beak, white eyerings |Africa |- |[[Fischer's Lovebird]]<br>(''Agapornis fischeri'') |<center>[[Image:Pap Pfirsichköpfchen Agapornis fischeri 070608 1.jpg|500x120px]]</center> |14 cm (5.5 in) long. Mostly green, orange upper body and head, blue lower back and rump, red beak, white eyerings |Africa |- |[[Lilian's Lovebird]]<br>or Nyasa Lovebird<br>(''Agapornis lilianae'') |<center>[[Image:Agapornis lilianae 2c.jpg|500x120px]]</center> |13 cm (5 in) long. Mostly green including green back and green rump, orange head, red beak, white eyerings |Africa |- |[[Black-cheeked Lovebird]]<br>(''Agapornis nigrigenis'') |<center>[[Image:Blackie.JPG|500x120px]]</center> |14 cm (5.5 in) long. Mostly green, black cheeks, orange upper chest, red beak, white eyerings |Africa |- |[[Grey-headed Lovebird]]<br>or Madagascar Lovebird<br>(''Agapornis canus'') |<center>[[Image:Grey-headed Lovebird.jpg|500x120px]]</center> |13 cm (5 in) long. Mostly green with darker green on back, pale grey beak. Sexual dimorphism: male has a grey upper body, neck and head. |Madagascar |- |[[Abyssinian Lovebird]]<br>or Black-winged Lovebird<br>(''Agapornis taranta'') |<center>[[Image:Agapornis taranta (female and male).jpg|500x120px]]</center> |16.5 cm (6.5 in) long. Mostly green, red beak, some black wing feathers. Sexual dimorphism: only the male has red on forehead and crown, females plumage is all green |Africa |- |[[Red-headed Lovebird]]<br>or Red-faced Lovebird<br>(''Agapornis pullarius'') |<center>[[Image:Agapornis pullarius.jpg|500x120px]]</center> |15 cm (6 in) long. Mostly green with red on upper neck and face. Sexual dimorphism: the male has more extensive and a darker red on face and head, and the male has a darker red beak than the female |Africa |- |[[Black-collared Lovebird]]<br>or Swindern's Lovebird<br>(''Agapornis swindernianus'') |<center>[[Image:Stavenn Agapornis swindernianus 00.jpg|500x120px]]</center> |13.5 cm (5 in) long. Mostly green, brown collar which has a black upper margin at the back of the neck, dark grey/black beak |Africa |} ==Aviculture== Lovebirds have the potential to make great pets for those who have the patience and time required of any parrot species. Because of their inclination to bond, they can form great long-term relationships with people. Provided with adequate space, a stimulating environment, and appropriate nutrition a lovebird can become cherished [[companion parrot]]. They love to snuggle and often preen their favorite people. Like with any other pet, it is essential that the person makes sure the birds they are about to buy were bred in captivity, rather than caught from the wild. Besides conservational and ethical reasons, animals caught wild are more likely to get sick and to die. Lovebirds, especially when kept individually or brought up hand-fed, make very good pets. They can be very interactive with humans, and when comfortable, will willingly perch on a finger or shoulders. Lovebirds rarely talk, but there is a chance they may learn to mimic human speech if taught to at a young age. ===Housing=== Lovebirds require an appropriately sized [[Birdcage|cage]]. Usually the minimum for a single bird is 35"x35"x35". They require lots of toys and things to chew on and play with, or will soon become bored and develop behavioral problems. Lovebirds are extremely social birds, and require several hours of interaction a day if kept singly. They need social interaction, be it with conspecifics or human companion, for their emotional as well as physical well-being. Without this interaction, daily exercise, a roomy cage, and many toys to play with, they may resort to feather-plucking or other behavioral problems. They don't necessarily need the companion of another lovebird, as the myth says. They do, however, need a human who will dedicate lots of time with them and take the place of the other lovebird. They love to take baths almost every day and may sun themselves after bathing in order to dry. ===Diet=== Lovebirds require a variety of food, such as pellets, fruits, and vegetables. As a regular food, pellets are recommended, as the millet food generally sold in pet stores has too much fat in it and is not a significant source of nutrition. Pellets specially made for birds provide a well-balanced diet. Fresh greens are also extremely beneficial if not essential. [[Image:Lovebirds.family.jpeg|thumb|250px|right|Family of lovebirds including colour mutations]] ===Potential problems=== Lovebirds are very vocal birds, making loud, high-pitched noises. Some make noise all day, especially during the first morning hours. Lovebirds are also very active, and love to chew things. When they are let out of their cage, it is wise to watch them carefully and protect any furniture, electrical wiring or anything else that they could possibly chew on. Lovebirds are all of the genus Agapornis and can produce offspring with other lovebirds within the same genus. The cross-species hybrids are often sterile. It is recommended to only place birds of the same species together, or of the same sex, for the sake of the potentially faulted hybrid offspring. ==References== {{reflist}} == External links == *[http://www.lovebirds.co.nz/ Lovebird Mania] *[http://www.agapornis.info/ Lovebirds] *[http://www.roseicollis.net/ Peach faced lovebirds] [[Category:Aviculture]] [[Category:Agapornis|*]] [[Category:Birds kept as pets]] [[Category:Birds of Africa]] [[Category:Domesticated birds]] [[Category:Parrots]] [[ca:Agaporni]] [[de:Unzertrennliche]] [[el:Αγαπόρνις]] [[es:Agapornis]] [[fa:مرغ عشق]] [[fr:Inséparable]] [[it:Agapornis]] [[la:Agapornis]] [[lt:Papūgos įsimylėjėlės]] [[hu:Agapornis]] [[nl:Dwergpapegaaien]] [[ja:ラブバード]] [[no:Dvergpapegøyer]] [[pt:Agapornis]] [[ru:Неразлучники]] [[sk:Agapornis]] [[sv:Dvärgpapegojor]] [[tl:Agapornis]] [[te:ప్రేమ పక్షులు]] [[zh:情侶鸚鵡]]