Agapornithinae is a subfamily of psittacine birds, one of the five subfamilies that make up the family Psittaculidae.[1] Its members are small, short-tailed parrots that inhabit Africa and Asia. They usually have predominantly green plumage and present different colorations on the head.
Agapornithinae
a subfamily of psittacine birds| Scientific classification | |
|---|---|
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Psittaciformes |
| Family: | Psittaculidae |
| Subfamily: | Agapornithinae Salvin, 1882 |
| Genera | |
| Nine Species: | Agapornis, Bolbopsittacus, Loriculus |
The Lilian's lovebird is 13 cm (5 inches) long and is mainly green with white eyerings. It has orange on its head, neck and upper chest and has a green rump. Male and female are identical in external appearance.
The Lilian's lovebird is often mistaken for the slightly larger Fischer's lovebird, which has an olive-green hood and a blue rump. It is also broadly similar to the Peach-faced lovebird, which has more clearly demarcated orange colouration, and lacks a white eyering[Ⅱ] .
Lilian's lovebird feeds on grass seeds, millet, wild rice, flowers, and the seeds and fruit of other species.[Ⅲ]
The Breeding season for Lilian's lovebirds is from January to March and in June and July. They make a roofed nest in tree crevices. In captivity the clutch consists of three to eight white eggs, which are incubated for about 22 days, and the chicks leave the nest after about 44 days from hatching.[Ⅲ]
Lilian's Lovebird Agapornis lilianae is regarded as a mopane Colophospermum mopane woodland specialist. Its global population is sparse and is spread along the Zambezi valley with little known about its current distribution and status. We explored the current distribution of Lilian's Lovebird in Malawi, and in particular focused on the distribution and habitat associations of the largest resident population in Liwonde National Park (LNP). Local birders and tourist guides provided distribution information from across Malawi. Transect walks were conducted to collect data in LNP. Five new atlas records are reported; three were within 40–56 km of the LNP population and two were over 150 km south and north of LNP, respectively. One of the sites is about 66 km from the Lilian's Lovebird population in Luangwa Valley, Zambia. New national records were evidence of the importance of seasonal movements to the species. Lilian's Lovebirds occurred throughout LNP with the highest abundance in the central section. Seasonal movements to areas outside the park were also recorded. A variety of vegetation types were used by the lovebirds, but the strongest habitat associations were with seasonally wet grasslands and not mopane woodlands as would be expected. Thus, conservation efforts should also include these other habitats.[Ⅴ].
Nyasa lovebirds are less aggressive than the more commonly kept Masked, Fischer’s, and Peach-faced lovebirds; but are still too aggressive to be kept with other types of birds. Best breeding results are achieved with single-pair aviaries, but they also do well in small colonies in a decent-sized aviary—but only if the number of males and females is equal.
Young birds will need to be moved to a second aviary once they become independent, as they will be attacked by their parents and/or other birds in the colony.
An adequate amount of flying space is necessary to ensure good fitness and minimal stress. Perches placed at opposite ends of the aviary will maximize the amount of exercise received. Non-toxic leaves and branches should be provided for chewing. They will be destructive to foliage in a planted aviary.
Lovebirds make an enormous amount of mess, making concrete the best flooring option. The floor should be loosely littered with nesting material (straw, hay, dried grass) and pieces of cuttlefish bone. The ground will need to be swept roughly once a month to remove discarded seeds and foliage that the birds have shredded.
Nyasa lovebirds cannot be housed with other species in the Agapornis genus (the lovebird family) as they will interbreed, producing worthless hybrids that pollute the captive gene pool.
Nyasa lovebirds are less tolerant of cold conditions than other lovebird species, so an aviary that offers some protection from the elements is recommended[Ⅳ].
Numerous color mutations are available in aviculture with varying rarity and value. Because lovebird species interbreed so readily, it can be difficult to differentiate between a hybrid bird and a legitimate color mutation[Ⅳ].
A strict worming and parasite control regime is essential to maintain the long-term health of all captive birds.
A healthy Nyasa lovebird has a life expectancy of ten to fifteen years [Ⅳ].
