The bird species: Black masked Lovebird

 

The bird species: Black masked Lovebird

Black masked Lovebird is a rare species restricted to southwest of Zambia. The scientific name is Agapornis Nigrigenis. It is 14 cm (5.5 in) in length, with mostly green plumage, reddish-brown forehead and forecrown, brownish-black cheeks and throat, orange bib below the throat which fades to yellowish-green, white eye-rings and grey feet. Adult has bright red beak, while juvenile’s is similar but with a more orange bill; has a blunt beak compared to Peach Faced Lovebirds. It has been listed down on the red list as the species is struggling to survive due to habitat loss. It weighs 42 grams, has a wingspan of 8-9 cm. This species is very territorial. Vocalizations are loud, piercing shrieks, which sound like the calls of other lovebirds. They love shredding a lot more than other smaller parrots such as budgies and small conures.

Birds Habitat:

Black masked Lovebirds mostly occupy Mopane woodland, but are also found in also Acacia woodland and agricultural areas unlike other lovebirds. North and Central Tanzania is where these birds can be found during winters. and they are not threatened in their native environment. They favourite areas are well-wooded grasslands in the wild.

Birds Food Habits

They feed on seeds such as millet, sunflower and canary, fruits such as pineapples and berries, aquatic plant buds and water insects, crops- millet, sorghum and corn, nuts and they eat grass, larvae of worms unlike other types of lovebirds.

Birds Breeding

These birds are pretty easy to bread, but breed for a shorter period as their chicks have a comparatively faster growth. They nest in woodland tree hollows which are very easy to find such as due to heavy rains. Black-masked lovebirds can start breeding when they are as young as ten months of age and may continue until they are five to six years. They are very easy to breed and may produce several egg clutches within a single year. Chicks often shed the middle tail feather and fly with their tail open for holding on better. The cross off-springs are also fertile. A lovebird is an adult after about 10 months.

Do’s and Don’ts with this bird:

DO NOT

·         These birds should not be bred with the Lillian’s Lovebird as it spoils their pure gene.

·          Even with water, these birds should not have a dry seed diet and should include boiled sprouts or half germinated seeds.  

·          Lovebirds have a very sensitive respiratory system. Do not use Teflon utensils for cooking. Their fumes are poisonous for the birds and might kill them. 

DO’s

·          Put some rough surfaced perches. This helps in trimming of the claw nails naturally.

·          Lovebirds like to bathe and sundry. This can be done either with a small bird bath or a dish of water or spray on them with luke warm water.

·         Lovebirds need to be let out of their cage, to spend some of their energy by flying. Make sure that all windows and doors are closed. You can attach a bird leash to them so you can control where they are flying.

For some more information, please watch below videos:

https://youtu.be/LH90-8lb1T8 - A video on Facts about Lovebirds and Budgies.

https://youtu.be/6z9LCXI3SVg -A video on How to train your pet bird to step up!

https://youtu.be/bEI161zuYQU -A video made to guide your bird to learn the bat trick.

https://youtu.be/P94681AL-RA -A video for advanced ways of training your parrot to learn the bat trick for very scared ones.