Different Types of Love Birds

Lovebirds are very popular and prolific. There are different types of lovebirds. They do not need a lot of space and many are very pretty. Some, however, have very vicious tempers and have been known to bite off other birds’ toes.

Lovebirds have quiet voices, some species merely chirping like songbirds, but are not usually able to mimic. Sexing is easy with some species, difficult with others. In mature birds in breeding condition, the pelvic bones are a few millimeters apart in females but almost touching in males.

Peachfaced Lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis)

• These lovebirds are the most common species. They have been renowned for their vibrant color variations, and they are the heaviest on average among the other species. They are also the most widely kept in captivity. Breeders have created several mutations of the species including Pastel blue, yellow, Lutino and Pied. Males and females display the same colors, although the females are paler in comparison. These lovebirds have a lively, engaging personality and they can become very bonded to humans through hand-raising practices.

Masked Lovebird (Agapornis personata)

• These lovebirds are the second most popular in captivity. The main color of their plumage is green and they have dark brown heads with bright yellow collars. The breast and throat are marked with yellow and orange coloring. The tail feathers are a striking blue and the beak is red. They are intelligent and playful creatures who require a great deal of attention. Females are larger than the males, and the species is characterized by the white rims they all have around the eyes. The most common mutations of the breed are the Blue Masked Lovebird and the Green Masked Lovebird.

Abyssinian Lovebird (Agapornis taranta)

• These lovebirds are considered one of the rarer species. They come from mountainous regions in Ethiopia and therefore are more tolerant of cooler temperatures than other species. They are also known for being a quieter variety of lovebird. Females are completely green while males have brown and black outer feathers and bright red feathers on their foreheads. They require more room when kept in a cage than other species, and are not as social with humans.

Fischer's Lovebird (Agapornis personata fischeri)

• This species is extremely affectionate and generally responds successfully to hand raising. With vivid coloring that has every shade of the rainbow, these birds are extremely enjoyable to watch and interact with on a daily basis. Various mutations include the Dilute Yellow or Dilute Blue, Black or Dark eyed White, Pied, Lutino, Albino, and Cinnamon. These lovebirds are one of the four "eye-ringed" species that have the white rings around their eyes, and they are excellent breeders.

Madagascar Lovebird (Agapornis cana)

• These lovebirds are native to Madagascar and are generally not seen in captivity due to harsh export regulations of wildlife. They are the smallest species of lovebirds and have pale grey and green coloration. Most of the birds that are in captivity reside in zoos and are therefore more suited to living in an aviary setting as opposed to being kept as a pet. Only the most qualified breeders are recommended to handle this bird as they are very rare, therefore breeding is a delicate process that is vital to the continued survival of the species.

Nyasa Lovebird (Agapornis lilianae)

• This species can only be found in Liwonde National Park which is located in Malawi, Africa. There has been little research on this species available, as the population is so isolated. However their coloration is known and it ranges from a bright red beak down into orange and yellow plumage ending in a light green color on the tail feathers. They are also members of the "eye-ringed" category. Obviously these birds are not available as pets, and breeders struggle to acquire them as well. Unfortunately the population of the species is dwindling, as breeding attempts are unsuccessful in most cases and their natural habitat is being destroyed by humans. Poachers have also been spreading poison throughout their natural environment in an effort focused at larger game, but the lovebirds are equally susceptible to the toxins in their surroundings.

Swindern's Lovebird (Agapornis swinderniana)

• This bird was named after Professor Theodore van Swinderen of Groningen University after being discovered in 1820 by Heinrich Kuhl. The sexes and different age groups of this species generally look the same, they have green plumage with a half-collar at the neckline, giving them the nickname black-collared lovebirds.They also have reddish orange fading on the breast and throat. This species is the most fragile, and has not been successfully kept in captivity. Strict diets must be upheld for the species survival; and without the native plants to provide adequate nutrition to the flock the birds only survive for a few days.

Black-cheeked Lovebird (Agapornis nigrigenis)

• This lovebird is considered to be the rarest and most endangered species of lovebird. Another member of the "eye-ringed" group, this bird has predominant red and orange coloration in comparison with the other species highlighted in an apricot shade on the breast. They have darker coloration around the cheeks and their beaks are usually bright red. They reside mainly in Zaire, and breeding efforts are in place to help restore the population.

Red-faced Lovebird (Agapornis pullaria)

• This bird has a bright green plumage with a characteristic orange-red face. Females display less vibrant shades than the males. The species is spread over a wide region of Africa and has been known to possess some of the most peculiar habits of any species witnessed in captivity. They prefer to nest underground and occasionally enjoy sleeping upside down. Although their population maintains acceptable numbers, they are generally not available for purchase. Export laws prevent many of this species from leaving the African continent and therefore there aren't many Red-faced lovebirds in captivity.

Origin and Habit

The lovebirds are usually originated from Africa, including the Malagasy Republic.

Lovebirds live partly in bushy or woodland regions, but also partly in the plains and sandy regions, including mountainous areas up to 3000 meters.

They are very agile, hopping and scrambling among the branches, and also clever on the ground. During breeding, they keep in pairs; otherwise they live in small groups.

Lovebirds build their nests in hollow trees, some species preferring a domed nest, others merely a cup-shaped nest. Some lovebirds choose the nest of other birds, and others use termite mounds. They line them in bark, pieces of leaves and reeds, transported in their beaks or among their plumage. They feed on seeds, berries and fruits of all kinds.

Different Types of Lovebirds

In the world there are nearly nine types of lovebirds. They are as follows:-

1. Orange-headed love bird/Red faced lovebird – Native of Azole/Ethopia.
2. Grey-headed love bird/Lavender headed love bird- Native of Madagascar Island.
3. Black-winged love bird/ Mountain Parrot/ Abyssinian-Native of Ethopia.
4. Black collared love bird/ Liberian love bird/ Swinderns- Native of Zaire and Liberia
5. Peach faced love birds/ Rose headed love bird- Native of Australia, Africa and Angole
6. Black marked love bird/ yellow colored love bird- Native of Tanzania
7. Fischers lovebird – Native of Tanzania
8. Nyasa land love bird / Lillians lovebird / Strawberry head lovebird- Native of Zambia and Melawi.
9. Black faced love bird / Black checkered lovebird- Native of Zambia.

Many types of lovebirds fetch about the same price. Lovebirds that are not imported or bred in great quantities are, of course, more expensive. Some types of lovebirds, which used to be common, are now rarely offered for sale. This is due partly to the cost of expeditions and partly to an export ban by certain African States. Several color mutations have been bred and more will probably arise in due course.

BREEDING LOVE BIRDS

In fact the breeding of the love birds is loads of fun, many are not aware of this. Breeding the love bird is addictive, challenging but also educational and emotionally fulfilling. The breeding is not a cheap affair. Breeding is expensive, frustrating, heart breaking and tiring. The good and bad, both are the part of the love bird breeding. The good thing is that the person will be fascinated about the birds and he will love to lose sleep in order to learn more about the birds. The person should have lot of money to spend on the bird, cage, food and the vet bills.


If earning the money is the motive of love bird breeding then one should keep away from the breeding activity. The efficient love bird breeders are just breaking even. Few others are making very less profit. There are hardly any who are making a living out of it. There is belief that working in taco bell will give more than having love breeding unit. So if are really interested in love bird breeding, you can go ahead.


There are few questions that are required to be answered. How serious you are in love bird breeding? Do you want to have just one or two pairs of birds or want to have big aviary? What will you do with the hatched birds? Do you have sufficient time to take care of the chicks or will you leave the chicks to their parents to care? Do you have any plan for selling the chicks? There is a common belief among the breeders that selling the chicks is difficult job than rearing the birds. 


It always better to have plan in place for you and for the birds. You should have alternate plan to tackle the adversity if there is anything. You should be aware of the goals to be reached and the limitations that are there. The number of birds you want to have should be decided well in advance. You should have clear plan about of the colour of the love bird you want to produce. You should know from where you should get the birds for your requirement. The cost required for purchase of the seed stock, feed, equipment, other appliances etc. You should be aware of the number of chicks that you will be producing and the price at which you will be selling them in the market. You should be aware of the marketing channel. 


The best thing for the new breeder is that to start the thing very small. Increasing the size of the aviary is much easier than decreasing the size of the aviary. If you start the small unit then there is a chance that you will learn the business with ease and lot more attention can be paid to the breeding activity. Many breeders loose their interest in the breeding activity if they do not have the perfect plan in place to sell the produce. Hence it is advised that you should have the perfect plan before the start of the breeding activity.


PEACH FACE LOVE BIRD BREEDING

Peach-Faced Lovebirds are quite easy to breed when compared to other species. However, pairing the birds can be quite difficult since the two sexes are very similar. It is best not to trybreeding lovebirds younger than a year.

Lovebirds can be called as"pitbull of birds" and for good reason. Generally the hen can show aggression towards on its mate with no warning. You can find one dead bird in the cage once you return from office. Hence getting a suitable pair is really difficult. If you're successful in finding a suitable pair, then you will be rewarded with few clutches of cute littlebaby lovebirds.

A nest box with a surface area of approximately 10 sq. inches (25 sq. cm) is sufficient. In contrast to most other parakeets, these birds do make nests, usually using coarse twigs that they gnaw into strips.

Between 3 and 5 eggs are laid which the female incubates for between approximately 18 and 20 days. Fledging occurs at least a month or one and a half months after hatching. The very young birds of this species are recognizable due to their partially black beaks. Peach-Faced Lovebirds may well produce a number of clutches per year.

BREEDING OF MASKED LOVEBIRD

It is better not to try breeding masked lovebirds before they are one year old. a suitable nest box will have surface area of 10 sq. inches (25 sq. cm) and a height of 12 inches (30 cm) .

They build a nest from all kinds of coarse materials. They will produce 3 or 4 eggs that the female will incubate for between approximately 18 and 20 days. 

Fledging occurs after 45 days. A couple of weeks after the young have left, the parents may start acting aggressively towards them so it is better to remove the young birds in good time. These birds may well produce a number of clutches per year, but you should be careful not to exhaust them by removing the nest box after the second clutch.

Breeding Season Aggression in Love Birds

Don't think lovebirds will choose partners easily. It is quite often the case that birds that have been put in the same breeding cage or aviary do not get along with each other.

If your lovebird that is known for its lack of tolerance, make sure you stay around for the first couple of days after you have put them together. You can then take action when things look like they are getting out of hand.

Problems may also at a later date if one of the partner is in the mood for breeding, while the other is not. Aggressive behavior during the mating season is usually restricted to the males. They chase each other, sometines with disastrous results.

If you keep a close watch on the birds, you can separate them before it is too late. Sometimes clipping one of the wings of an aggressive bird may also help.Then the bird is not quite as fast and maneuverable as a result of this temporary handicap. 

Aggression is often something of a temporary nature and only lasts as long as it takes the female to get into the mood of mating, that is, if the female is not too young.

Sexing Love Birds

Lovebirds are a group of miniature parrots with short square tails. Their main cloring is green with some orange and yellow feathers in the tail. The head coloring varies with the species of which there are quite a few. Sexing the lovebirds is difficult for aviculturist. Here are the few tips to perform the sexing the lovebirds without undue stress to the birds--

Few tips for sexing your lovebirds
1. Pelvic area is wider in breeding hens than in cocks
2. Spread between feet of hen when perching is up to 1 cm greater than that of cock.
3. Hen only carries nesting materials.
4. Total lack of breeding activities indicates keeping of same sex birds.
5. Usually females are heavier and sturdier in build.
6. Intense coloring is observed among males. (In animals/birds, male are usually pretty)
7. Female birds always bite vigorously than males.

Confirmed method of sexing lovebirds
Although no traditional method is available for sexing a lovebird, DNA sexing is the perfect method to get 100 percent accuracy.