Lilian's lovebird
| Lilian's lovebird | |
|---|---|
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Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Aves |
| Order: | Psittaciformes |
| Family: | Psittacidae |
| Genus: | Agapornis |
| Species: | A. lilianae |
| Binomial name | |
| Agapornis lilianae Shelley, 1896 | |
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| Range in red. | |
The Lilian's lovebird (Agapornis lilianae), also known as Nyasa lovebird, is a small African parrot species of the lovebird genus. It is mainly green and has orange on its upper chest and head. It is 13 cm (5 inches) long and is the smallest parrot on mainland Africa. In captivity it is uncommon and difficult to breed.
Description
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.[2]
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,.[2]
Food and feeding
Lilian's lovebird feeds on grass seeds, millet, wild rice, flowers, and the seeds and fruit of other species.[3]
Breeding
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.[3]
Distribution and habitat
Lilian's lovebird is endemic to Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. In 2004 its numbers in the wild were estimated to be less than 20,000 individuals.[1] It currently inhabits Liwonde National Park (LNP) and a few cluster groups occur in the surrounding forests outside LNP. Its distribution is rapidly becoming restricted to LNP because their feeding and breeding habitats are being exploited over for agricultural purposes. The extent of habitat loss outside LNP has not been determined scientifically although remaining habitat outside the LNP are fragmented Miombo Forest Reserves.
Threats
Liwonde National Park is located in the southern region of Malawi, which has the highest human population density in the country approximating 100-115 inhabitants per km² (FAO, 1997). LNP is greatly impacted by population growth and agricultural activities than any other national park in the country. Recently, cases of Lilian's lovebird poisoning have intensified although it is not known why poachers are poisoning the birds. Lilian's lovebird researchers assume poachers mean to poison larger mammals and lovebirds fall victims.
Aviculture
Lilian's lovebird is a difficult species to rear in captivity.[2] Many breeders worldwide struggle to breed the species.
References
- 1 2 BirdLife International (2012). "Agapornis lilianae". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2013.2. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 26 November 2013.
- 1 2 3 Le Breton, Kenny. Lovebirds...getting started. USA: T.F.H. Publications. pp. 88–89. ISBN 0-86622-411-4.
- 1 2 "Species factsheet: Agapornis lilianae". BirdLife International (2008). Retrieved 9 July 2008.
External links
- Lilian's lovebird - Species text in The Atlas of Southern African Birds.