Psittaciformes/Psittacidae/Agapornis (this name is taken from the Greek words for "lovebird.")

10 to 15 years.Between 5.1-6.7 inches (13-17 cm)

Excellent/Poor/High/Excellent.

3-6 eggs/21-23 days

Not recommened/Seed and Fruit Eaters

A lovebird (genus Agapornis, Greek for "lovebird") is a very social and affectionate parrot.

The name Lovebird stems from these birds' affectionate nature. This is reflected by the birds name in other languages: in German, "die Unzertrennlichen," and in French "les ins¨¦parables"- "inseparables." For this reason, many people feel strongly that lovebirds in captivity should be kept only in pairs. Others believe that lovebirds, like other parrots, are social animals who can bond with human companions when given a great deal of care and attention.

Lovebirds are about 13-17 cm in size, 40-60 grams in weight and characterized by a small, stocky build and a short, blunt tail. This puts them among the smallest parrots in the world although their beak is rather large for their overall size. Many lovebirds are green, although color mutations can feature many different colors. Some lovebird species, like Fischer's, black cheeked, and the yellow collared lovebird, have a white ring around the eye. Lifespan is 10 to 15 years.

Many lovebirds are green, although color mutations can feature many different colors. Some lovebird species, like the Black-masked Lovebirds, Fischer's, black cheeked, and the yellow-collared lovebird, have a white ring around the eye.

They have a large bill and a tail that is either round or square. Their average life span is between 10-12 years with some living even longer. The oldest recorded lovebird lived 17 years, and we have had one person state that their lovebird has lived for 25 years.

The different species of lovebird are identifiable by their colors and markings. They vary greatly in their coloring, and each species can be viewed for their unique combinations. Younger birds are duller in color and they have black in their beaks. The young birds coloring intensifies as they reach maturity. Regardless of the species, mature lovebirds are gorgeous parrots!

The African Love Bird is unusual in that some species are relatively new to the world of Aviculture, while others are very old. In fact, several species were not even discovered until this century, yet others have been kept by man for over four hundred years. Love Birds, whose Latin or scientific name of the genus is Agapornis, acquired their name because of their fondness for sitting in pairs while preening each other¡¯s feathers. A few basic facts to remember about Love Birds are, first, they are small in size, second, they originate from Africa and its adjacent islands and third, all Love Birds are members of the parrot family. This stout little parrot with its short rounded tail, comprises a total of nine different species. While some species are nearly as common as budgies, others remain as rare as the most elusive bird in the wild.

Plumage: The different species of lovebird are identifiable by their colors and markings. They vary greatly in their coloring, and each species can be viewed for their unique combinations. Younger birds are duller in color and they have black in their beaks. They have a large bill and a tail that is either round or square.

Habitat: They prefer dry rocky areas with bushes and trees and occasionally palm groves, cultivated areas and edges of inhabited places where water occurs; never found far from water.

Wild Status and Diet: Lovebirds are usually found in groups of 12 birds; exceptionally in larger numbers; noisy and active, often quarrelsome within the group; pairs remain close; regular grooming within the group; they can be nomadic stopping where their is water; they fly in the evening; swift in flight with sudden turns; call shrill but often heard chattering. Their diet is seed especially acacia, in addition berries and fruits are eaten; they have been known to cause considerable damage to grain fields.

Nutrition: Good seed mix including: various millets, canary grass seed, sunflower and hemp; millet spray also spouted millet, plenty of green food, vegetables and fruit; provide young birds with vitamin C and mineral supplements.

Breeding: Breeding is usually successful and not difficult; breed most of the year if the weather is warm enough, but prefer the Spring. Provide plenty of fresh twigs for nest building. Clutches usually of 3 to 6 eggs; incubation 20 days; can breed several times a year but it's better not to let a pair breed more than twice. The young may need to be removed from the parents as they may begin to pluck the young.

A single lovebird will eat 1 1/2 to 2 ounces (45-60 grams) of feed daily. Lovebirds drink a lot of water, so will need fresh drinking water every day. Most lovebirds love a bath either in a flat earthenware dish or by spraying them with a light mist of lukewarm water. If you use a bathing dish, you will see the birds perch on the edge and dip their heads and upper bodies in the water and beating their wings. They prefer this kind of bath to getting into the water. Lovebirds generally maintain their nails and beaks on their own through climbing and chewing. Another good use they make of their tree branches.

Lovebirds are very active birds, so a cage best suited to adequately house them must provide a lot of space. A minimum of 32 x 20 x 20 (81 x 50 x 50 cm) per pair of birds is recommended with about four perches, feed and water dishes and an area for a bath. When you use a small cage, you must let your pet out daily to fly around.

If you are housing pairs of lovebirds here are a few guidelines: Try to house only one species of lovebird as mixing species can cause serious fights. House either one pair of lovebirds or three pairs, never two pairs or there will be fighting. Each pair needs about 35 cubic feet of space.

A roomy indoor aviary, a bird room, or an outdoor aviary (depending on your area) are all good choices. The aviary needs plenty of light and fresh air. The outdoor aviary needs to have a protected shelter that can be heated and cooled where necessary. Flights are recommended to be a minimum of 6' x 6' x 3' (183 x 183 x 91 cm) with plenty of perches or branches at least 1 1/2" (15 cm) thick. Lovebirds like special resting places. Nest boxes placed up high, all at the same level and all of the same type work well and help prevent fights. A nest box for a lovebird is 8" x 8" x 8" (20 x 20 x 20 cm) or 10" x 6" x 6" (25 x 15 x 15 cm).

The basic cage care includes daily cleaning of the water and food dishes. Weekly you should clean and disinfect the cage. Wash and completely dry the perches and toys whenever they become soiled. Sand floors should be renewed annually.

Lovebirds are very social birds. Generally is thought that it is essential for their good health and happiness that they be kept in pairs, not singly. If you have a single lovebird, you must provide the necessary social interaction that it is missing from another bird. These birds develop fierce loyalties to their keeper or their mate.

Aside from their social nature toward you or their mate, they can be extremely aggressive towards other birds. You must be certain that all pairs get along together, and that they are true "pairs", not mismatched. Bonded pairs constantly groom each other and will feed each other from the crop during breeding season and all year round. These little birds will chatter all day long. They will hide in their nest box if they are startled by a sudden noise, if they spot a potential predator, or if it gets cold and windy.

To have a tame lovebird, choose a young single bird. Young birds have an amazing ability to learn tricks and be affectionate, whereas adults are very difficult to tame and generally won't learn a lot of tricks or imitate behaviors.

Taming involves acceptance and trust between you and your bird. It means spending a lot of time with your bird daily. Start with talking softly and making slow movements. Once your bird is comfortable with you, then you can begin hand-taming. Use a dowel and push it gently against the birds chest while offering a treat to coax it up onto the dowel. This may take many tries. Once it is comfortable with stepping up onto a dowel, substitute your finger for the dowel. Lovebirds are not considered one of the best talkers, and only some may learn a few words.

Lovebirds awaken with the dawn, get a drink, eat, and then immediately begin to chirp. They will generally quiet down by mid-morning and resume their chirping in the late afternoon.

These birds are very active, flying and climbing about, gnawing on wood or chew toys, and grooming themselves many times all day. They love toys of all kinds such as seed bells, swings, ladders, mirrors, shiny objects, and wooden gnaws. A lovebird outside of it's cage will not stay on it's playpen, they like to explore. Be sure this room is safe with no open doors or windows, no toxic plants, no open water containers, and no hot stove.

Lovebirds as Pets:

Lovebirds belong to the Parrot family, and they do make wonderful pets. Their beautiful colors and animated personalities easily endear them to onlookers. While every bird has its own personality there are traits common to all Lovebirds which have made them a popular pet and a great choice for a first time bird owner.

Appearance of a Lovebird:

Lovebirds have perhaps the most varied coloration among the parrot species. Soft pastels or brilliant hues you can find Lovebirds in nearly any color you can imagine - blues, yellows, purples, peaches and so on.

Lovebirds are also a pleasantly sized parrot for most people. They are only 5 1/2 to 6 1/2 inches and about 42-60 grams. Baby Lovebirds will be close in size to an adult Lovebird.

Life span of a lovebird:Like other parrots, Lovebirds have a long life span - although not as long as the larger species. They live 15-20 years, approximately the same life span as a cat. It is important to understand the commitment before you decide to buy a Lovebird.

Activity of a lovebird

Lovebirds are very energetic and inquisitive. They will happily fly about or sit on your shoulder during daily activities. They are not nervous of usual activity and can usually integrate with a family of busy, noisy children with great enjoyment. Lovebirds love to play and can be the cause of great amusement if you watch while they are playing alone splashing in their water dish or if they are playing with your hair.

You would be better off buying a hand raised Lovebird which will be more tame than a parent raised bird, as it will be used to human touch and contact. While Lovebirds are quite fearless (and so should be supervised closely around other pets) they do enjoy playing with people. Gentle and consistent handling will help prevent nipping.

Lovebirds, like other birds, are born to live among a flock and so they will challenge authority for the dominant position. Sometimes headstrong, the owner of a Lovebird needs to be patient and firm. However, Lovebirds are not overly demanding in most respects and can learn to be well behaved. They are also content to play alone for periods of time as long as they are given proper space and playthings.

Lovebirds are very intelligent and can even be 'potty' trained to go on a paper or in a trash can instead of around the house. This can make it much easier to allow your Lovebird to enjoy freedom outside the cage without the constant clean up.

Noise of a Lovebird:

While Lovebirds will learn to mimic the sounds around them, including household noises and other birds, they are not known for mimicking human speech as well as other parrot species.

Despite this you will find your Lovebird to have a strong personality all its own and it will convey its moods and desires quite clearly.

Before buying your Lovebird be sure the owner or breeder can provide additional assistance in helping you settle your bird at home. You are likely to have other questions arise as a first time owner and should look for cooperation for properly learning to care for your pet Lovebird.

Availability:

The most available species of lovebird are the Peach-faced Lovebird , the Masked Lovebird, the Fischer's Lovebird, and many of their beautiful mutations. Many other species of lovebird are available but not be as readily found. Lovebirds are also fairly inexpensive little parrots.

Agapornis cana: Madagascar or Gray-headed Lovebird
Agapornis fischeri: Fisher's Lovebird
Agapornis lilianae: Nyasa Lovebird
Agapornis nigrigenis: Black-cheeked Lovebird
Agapornis personata: Masked lovebird
Agapornis pullaria: Red-faced Lovebird
Agapornis roseicollis: Peach-faced Lovebird
Agapornis taranta: Abyssinian or Black-winged Lovebird
Agapornis Swindernia: Black-collared Lovebird

There are 9 species of lovebirds, of which 8 are available as pets. Only eight of these lovebird species are available in aviculture. The Black-collared lovebird is rare and cannot be kept alive in captivity.

There are a total of 9 species of lovebird, 8 of which are African and one of which is from Madagascar:

Peach-faced Lovebird, Agapornis roseicollis
Masked Lovebird, Agapornis personata
Fischer's Lovebird, Agapornis fischeri
Nyasa Lovebird, Agapornis lilianae
Black-cheeked Lovebird, Agapornis nigrigenis
Madagascar Lovebird, Agapornis canus
Abyssinian Lovebird, Agapornis taranta
Red-faced Lovebird, Agapornis pullarius
Black-collared Lovebird, Agapornis swinderniana

Sexually Dimorphic (sexes look different) are the following:
1. Abyssinian Lovebirds
2. Red-faced Lovebirds
3. Madagascar Lovebirds (Grayheaded)

Sexually Monomorphic (Sexes look same or Similar)
1. Black-cheeked or Black-faced Lovebirds
2. Fischer's Lovebirds
3. Masked Lovebirds (Black Masked or Yellow collared)
4. Nyasa Lovebirds (Lilian's)
5. Peach-faced or Rosy-faced Lovebirds

Characterized by Eye Rings:

Without Eye Rings:
1. Madagascar
2. Red-faced Lovebirds
3. Peach-faced Lovebirds
4. Abyssinian

With Eye Rings
1. Masked aka Black-masked Lovebirds
2. Fischers Lovebirds
3. Nyasa
4. Black cheeked Lovebirds

1. Active, alert and curious disposition
2. 4 well formed toes, 2 forward and 2 backward, nails must be complete
3. Bright, round eyes
4. Nostrils clear of discharge
5. Feathers lay tight against the body
6. Smooth beak that closes completely

1. A bird that sits huddled in a corner or on the floor
2. A bird with feathers fluffed up
3. Deformed toes
4. Vent fouled with feces or badly stained
5. Signs of weeping or runny eyes
6. Excessive plucking or excessive missing of feathers
7. Bald spots
8. A squeak, wheezing or other abnormality when breathing
9. Nervous behavior
10. Lethargic behavior
11. Dull or lifeless feathers
12. A bird too large for it's normal size (birds can and do get fat)
13. Nasal discharge

If you are a first time or novice lovebird owner, don't choose a bird that you think may be sick, choose the healthiest bird you can find. Many sicknesses can be cured, but better to leave these birds for experienced owners. Don't buy a sick lovebird because you feel sorry for it.

If possible get a certificate of health from the breeder or pet shop guaranteeing that a replacement will be made if the lovebird becomes sick or won't breed.

Lovebirds are not rare, there are a lot of them around to choose from. So take your time and select only birds that you really like the coloring and personality of.

Lovebirds should be kept in pairs, one female and one male. They very much enjoy each others company, although don't be alarmed if they have occasional spats with each other.

If a pair of lovebirds constantly fight, then it's best to find each of them another mate. If you're buying birds from a breeder, make sure the breeder will exchange birds if they are not compatable.

As a general rule, only one pair of birds should be kept per cage. Keep one or more cages far enough apart from each other so they do not allow birds to be able to peck at each other.

When introducing new birds to a home with pre-existing birds,the new birds may not always be welcomed readily.

Lovebirds seem to prefer large cages, as they are very active birds. It is a good idea to give them plenty of toys to play with and chew on, in order to give them as much exercise and diversion as possible. Being social birds, it is debatable whether or not they should be kept alone or with another lovebird. It seems as though for the sake of the bird's health, they need to be with a bird companion or have the close companionship of humans. If these requirements are not met, the bird has been known to exhibit behavioral problems. Because of this, rarely are lovebirds sold outside of a pair and, if possible, should not be split up. Lovebirds enjoy bathing almost every day. Make sure to provide a variety of food, such as pellets, seeds, fruit and vegetables.

Lovebirds tend to make a lot of loud, high-pitched noise throughout the day, especially in the early morning, so it might not be the best choice of pet for light sleepers! They should be watched carefully if ever let out of their cage, as they like to chew things. In their eyes, your sofa might be the perfect chew toy (not to mention the cord to the TV...).

If the bird's owner is aware of the bird's special needs and penchant for noisemaking, and is certain that they will be able to lavish upon the bird all the love and attention it needs, a lovebird (or rather, a pair of lovebirds) may be the perfect pet!

I have a pair of lovebirds and they have started to breed. I will list down the things I feel should be provided to them to encourage/ allow a better breeding process.

1. Nest-box. A size about 10cm width, 10cm height, 20cm length and a circular opening of about 5cm in diameter will be sufficient.

2. Clean paper, paper towel, unprinted newspaper, pesticide-free leaves, etc. (Well, you get the message, as long as its clean shred-able stuff, it should be alright)

3. Balance diet. Include seeds, fruits, vegetables, supplements - cuttlebone. (Try to make sure that they are not on an all seed diet as there will not be enough nutrients for the hen and she might end up egg bound)

4. Plenty of fresh water. (Well they need to drink and they will also be needing the water to make their nest humid)

1. Daytime longer than nighttime. I found that as long as day time is 12 hours or more, it will trigger their hormones for breeding.

2. A male and a female lovebird. (Obviously... However, if anyone feel that its wrong and they have experience in successfully breed lovebirds that are of the same gender. Please let me know and I will change this point.)

3. The pair of lovebirds should be a least 10 months or older. Birds of 1 year of age are more recommended as they will be better parents. Birds too young might have egg binding problem too. Beside, they might ignore the eggs, unable to take care of their young, etc.

Shelter:

Lovebirds need a cage that has ample space to fly and move. The minimum size is a 30 x 30 inch cage. The small cages are not convenient and hence not recommended.

They like doing some activity all the time. This make them mentally happy. So try to put some pet toys in the cage. These you can get from any pet care stores. The toys can be anything like swings, rings, small ladders ,etc. You can purchase the same toys as you purchase for parrots.

Food:

Fresh foods like fruits and vegetables are the best choice for love birds. Because they have the all nutritious contents. Love birds like apples very much. Also they like all leafy vegetables like spinach, cabbage, broccoli. They also like carrot very much.You can try ripen guava and berries.

Seed mix and grain bread are also good for lovebirds. They like them to eat.

Always wash thoroughly before feeding pets. Because pesticides that are generally used on fruits and vegetables are harmful. Since lovebirds are very sensitive , these pesticides or chemicals have bad effect on their health immediately.

Avoid salty and sugary foods.

Always keep the cage neat and clean. Especially clean the bowls before feeding food. Wash the bowls immediately after use.

Allow lovebirds to play in water as they are fond of water. Put water filled bowls inside the cage and let them enjoy till they satisfy. Another reason to put the water bowls inside the cage is that they clean their feathers.

If your birds are sick, then immediately approach local veterinarian to seek help.