Masked Lovebird
(agapornis personata)

Lovebirds are one of the most popular groups of birds available to pet owners. Don’t let their size fool you! They are true parrots.

However, it is because they are small that they tend to be less expensive than full-size parrots and can be housed in relatively cheaper accommodations.

The nine species of lovebirds are all indigenous to Africa and Madagascar, the their name stems from the fact that pairs are very affectionate towards each other.

But this affection is rarely extended to others within their own species with whom they fight savagely during breeding seasons.

Lovebirds are able to cope with most climates, are resilient for their size and make ideal aviary birds because they are quiet, reliable breeders.

While inquisitive, lovebirds possess no talking ability, but make excellent pets and it is not unusual for them to live longer than ten years.

They are also popular exhibition birds and gaining a wider following among bird clubs and societies, which themselves are growing in number in the U.S.

L’uccelliera breeds three species of lovebird, the Peach-faced, Masked and Fischer’s.
The remaining species are either uncommon or completely unknown in aviculture, and collectively referred to as “the rares:”

Nyasal lovebird  (agapornis Liliane )
Black-cheeked lovebird agapornis nigrienis
Madagascar lovebird. (Agapornis cana)
Abyssinian lovebird  (agapornis taranta)
Red-faced lovebird  (agapornis pullaria)
Black -Collared lovebird

Masked Lovebird

The Black-masked Lovebird has an overall black head and the true plumage color is green with a yellow collar. Another consistent characteristic of this species is a white ring that encircles both eyes. Other than the traditional green, lovebirds of this species have also been identified in a number of color morphs. One of the most popular in the Western Hemisphere is the blue morph.

The blue mutation was the first to become available and came from wild stock. Other color mutations now being bread in the U.S. are Albinos, Lutinos Cinnamon Pieds and Pastel Blue (Dilute Green and Blue).

Black-masked Lovebirds are African in origin and can be found on inland plateaus in northeast Tanzania. The masked Lovebird is a hardy species and most Australian breeders propagate it on a colony system.

Masked Lovebirds will use most nesting materials, and tend to dip fragments into their water dishes, presumably to soften them and to help retain humidity in the nest.