Lovebirds make excellent beginner pets and can live for 17 years.
Lovebirds are small parrots originating in Africa and Madagascar. Scientifically their genus is known as Agapornis, and there are nine different species. They make suitable house pets and can live with children and other pets easily. They are generally healthy, but prefer to have the company of another lovebird of the opposite sex for companionship if they don't receive a lot of human interaction. Lovebirds were given their name for their tendency to groom and cuddle with their partners. They can sometimes be vocal, but they don't produce excessive volume when chirping, so they function well in apartment environments.
Peachfaced Lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis)
These lovebirds are the most common species. They have been renowned for their vibrant color variations, and they are the heaviest on average among the other species. They are also the most widely kept in captivity. Breeders have created several mutations of the species including Pastel blue, yellow, Lutino and Pied. Males and females display the same colors, although the females are paler in comparison. These lovebirds have a lively, engaging personality and they can become very bonded to humans through hand-raising practices.
Masked Lovebird (Agapornis personata)
These lovebirds are the second most popular in captivity. The main color of their plumage is green and they have dark brown heads with bright yellow collars. The breast and throat are marked with yellow and orange coloring. The tail feathers are a striking blue and the beak is red. They are intelligent and playful creatures who require a great deal of attention. Females are larger than the males, and the species is characterized by the white rims they all have around the eyes. The most common mutations of the breed are the Blue Masked Lovebird and the Green Masked Lovebird.
Abyssinian Lovebird (Agapornis taranta)
These lovebirds are considered one of the rarer species. They come from mountainous regions in Ethiopia and therefore are more tolerant of cooler temperatures than other species. They are also known for being a quieter variety of lovebird. Females are completely green while males have brown and black outer feathers and bright red feathers on their foreheads. They require more room when kept in a cage than other species, and are not as social with humans.
Fischer's Lovebird (Agapornis personata fischeri)
This species is extremely affectionate and generally responds successfully to hand raising. With vivid coloring that has every shade of the rainbow, these birds are extremely enjoyable to watch and interact with on a daily basis. Various mutations include the Dilute Yellow or Dilute Blue, Black or Dark eyed White, Pied, Lutino, Albino, and Cinnamon. These lovebirds are one of the four "eye-ringed" species that have the white rings around their eyes, and they are excellent breeders.
Madagascar Lovebird (Agapornis cana)
These lovebirds are native to Madagascar and are generally not seen in captivity due to harsh export regulations of wildlife. They are the smallest species of lovebirds and have pale grey and green coloration. Most of the birds that are in captivity reside in zoos and are therefore more suited to living in an aviary setting as opposed to being kept as a pet. Only the most qualified breeders are recommended to handle this bird as they are very rare, therefore breeding is a delicate process that is vital to the continued survival of the species.
Nyasa Lovebird (Agapornis lilianae)
This species can only be found in Liwonde National Park which is located in Malawi, Africa. There has been little research on this species available, as the population is so isolated. However their coloration is known and it ranges from a bright red beak down into orange and yellow plumage ending in a light green color on the tail feathers. They are also members of the "eye-ringed" category. Obviously these birds are not available as pets, and breeders struggle to acquire them as well. Unfortunately the population of the species is dwindling, as breeding attempts are unsuccessful in most cases and their natural habitat is being destroyed by humans. Poachers have also been spreading poison throughout their natural environment in an effort focused at larger game, but the lovebirds are equally susceptible to the toxins in their surroundings.
Swindern's Lovebird (Agapornis swinderniana)
This bird was named after Professor Theodore van Swinderen of Groningen University after being discovered in 1820 by Heinrich Kuhl. The sexes and different age groups of this species generally look the same, they have green plumage with a half-collar at the neckline, giving them the nickname black-collared lovebirds.They also have reddish orange fading on the breast and throat. This species is the most fragile, and has not been successfully kept in captivity. Strict diets must be upheld for the species survival; and without the native plants to provide adequate nutrition to the flock the birds only survive for a few days.
Black-cheeked Lovebird (Agapornis nigrigenis)
This lovebird is considered to be the rarest and most endangered species of lovebird. Another member of the "eye-ringed" group, this bird has predominant red and orange coloration in comparison with the other species highlighted in an apricot shade on the breast. They have darker coloration around the cheeks and their beaks are usually bright red. They reside mainly in Zaire, and breeding efforts are in place to help restore the population.
Red-faced Lovebird (Agapornis pullaria)
This bird has a bright green plumage with a characteristic orange-red face. Females display less vibrant shades than the males. The species is spread over a wide region of Africa and has been known to possess some of the most peculiar habits of any species witnessed in captivity. They prefer to nest underground and occasionally enjoy sleeping upside down. Although their population maintains acceptable numbers, they are generally not available for purchase. Export laws prevent many of this species from leaving the African continent and therefore there aren't many Red-faced lovebirds in captivity.
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