Black-winged Lovebird

Overview

The black-winged lovebird, also known as the Abyssinian lovebird, is a mainly green bird in the parrot family. Measuring approximately 16.5 cm, it is the largest species within the lovebird genus. This species is native to Eritrea and Ethiopia.

Identification

• Both sexes are predominantly green, with adults showing sexual dimorphism; males have a red forehead and a ring of red feathers around the eyes, whereas females possess an all-green head.
• Distinguishable by a black-tipped tail with yellowish feathers beneath, and a light green rump and supra-tail coverts.
• Males typically have black feathers under the wings, while females have greenish or brownish-black underwing feathers.
• Both sexes feature a red bill and grey feet.

Habitat

Native to the region stretching from southern Eritrea to southwestern Ethiopia, the black-winged lovebird inhabits high plains or mountainous regions. It is considered widespread and common throughout its range.

Diet

A typical diet consists of sunflower seeds, corn, apples, and mission figs.

Did you know?

The species' type specimen was collected in Taranta Pass, Eritrea, by Henry Salt in 1809–10 and is currently held in the vertebrate zoology collection at National Museums Liverpool.