Fischer's Lovebird

Overview

Fischer's lovebird (Agapornis fischeri) is a small parrot species named after the 19th-century German explorer Gustav Fischer. Originally discovered in East Africa, it is currently listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List.

Identification

• Small parrot measuring approximately 14 cm in length with a weight of 43–58 g.
• Plumage: Green back, chest, and wings; golden-yellow neck transitioning to darker orange; olive-green crown; bright red bill; purple or blue feathers on the upper tail surface.
• Markings: White circle of bare skin (eye-ring) around the eyes; young birds are duller with brown markings at the base of the mandible.
• Vocalisation: High-pitched chirps that can be very noisy, though less screaming than larger lovebird varieties.

Habitat

Native to a small area in east-central Africa, south and southeast of Lake Victoria in northern Tanzania, where they inhabit isolated clumps of trees with grass plains at elevations of 1,100–2,200 m. During drought years, some birds migrate west into Rwanda and Burundi in search of moister conditions.

Diet

Consumes a wide variety of foods including seeds and fruit. They occasionally act as agricultural pests by eating crops such as maize and millet.

Did you know?

Separation from a mate causes physical health issues in individuals, leading to the common name 'lovebird' due to the strong, lifelong bonds they form.