About the bird species: Black-winged Lovebird

 


About the bird species: Black-winged Lovebird

The Black-winged-lovebird is also known as the Abyssinian lovebird. It is about 16.5 cm (6.5 inches) long, making it the largest of the lovebird genus, a group of small parrots. The adult male is easily identified by its red forehead, and the adult female by its all-green body. Both the male and female black-winged lovebirds are mostly green, and only the adult male black-winged lovebird has a red forehead and a ring of red feathers around its eyes. The tail is black tipped and feathers below the tail show a yellowish colour. The rump and feathers above the tail are light green. In the male, feathers under the wing are typically black while in the female, the feathers under the wing are typically greenish or brownish black. Both genders have a red beak and grey feet. It is the largest lovebird species in the lovebird group.

Birds Habitat-

They are native to Eritrea and Ethiopia, and they are uncommon as pets.  The natural habitat for a black-winged lovebird is typically from Southern Eritrea to Southwestern Ethiopia. They normally prefer high plains or mountainous regions. The black-winged lovebird nests in a tree hollow cavity.

Birds Food Habits-

They feed on millets, sunflower seeds, wild scraps, apples, dried Mosco figs, berries such as cranberry and mulberry. They also feed on non-native crops such as coriander, zucchini, broccoli, cabbage, carrots and turnips. In captivity seed mixes, pellets and non-native veggies are included in the food.

Birds Breeding-

The black-winged lovebird nests in a tree cavity. The eggs are white and there are usually three or four eggs in a clutch. The female incubates the eggs for 23 days, and the chicks fledge from the nest about 45 days after hatching. In aviculture the black-winged lovebird has not become well established as a breeding bird, although it can tolerate cold weather. Breeding in aviculture is on a small scale, so it is an uncommon pet. 

Dos and Don’ts with this bird –

Do not

·         Average daytime temperatures can range from 60oF(18oC) to 70oF (21oC) with night time temperatures down to 40oF. As a rule of thumb, ambient temperature comfortable for humans should be adequate for them 

·         Never keep an odd number of birds once they become adult, as they bond for life and will            fight for each other which can lead to death of one of them

·         Do not take your bird in front of a mirror as they have a tendency to think of it as another pair-mate which increases aggression

Do’s

·         Provide enriched experience by giving soft wood toys such as a bird kabab, crinkled paper and swings

·         Do provide a wooden box or a mud pot in their cage corner so that they feel safe

Keep a cuttle-fish-bone (A wooden piece covered with a layer of compressed – soft sea shells) in your bird cage for calcium, especially in the breeding season thoughtfully.

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