Grey-headed Lovebird

Overview

The Agapornis canus is a small parrot of the lovebird genus and the smallest of its kind. Native exclusively to the island of Madagascar, it is distinct as the only lovebird species not native to the African continent.

Identification

• Length of approximately 13 cm with a weight of 30–36 g.
• Sexually dimorphic: adult males feature pale grey heads and upper chests, while adult females are entirely green with a dark green back and bright green rump.
• Both sexes possess pale grey beaks and feet.
• Strong fliers with wings that appear larger in proportion to the body compared with peach-faced lovebirds.

Habitat

The species is native to the island of Madagascar, where two subspecies are recognised. Agapornis canus canus is found throughout the island except in the south, whereas Agapornis canus ablectaneus inhabits the southern region.

Diet

These birds prefer finch and canary seed over the sunflower and safflower mixes typically consumed by other lovebirds.

Did you know?

Grey-headed lovebirds have poor tolerance for cold weather, which makes breeding in European aviculture generally unsuccessful despite them being imported in the nineteenth century.