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Overview
Fischer's lovebird

Fischer's lovebird

Wikipedia

Fischer's lovebird is a small parrot species of the genus Agapornis. They were originally discovered in the late 19th century. They are named after the 19th century German explorer of East Africa Gustav Fischer.

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Distribution

Region

East Africa

Typical Environment

The species occupies dry, open savanna and acacia–commiphora woodland of north-central Tanzania, especially around the southeastern shores of Lake Victoria and adjacent inland plateaus. It frequents thornbush, wooded farmland, and edges of cultivation where water is available nearby. Birds roost communally in dense shrubs or small trees and often utilize semi-arid scrub mosaics. Outside the native range, small feral groups occur locally where birds have escaped or been released.

Altitude Range

1100–1800 m

Climate Zone

Tropical

Characteristics

Size14–15 cm
Wing Span22–25 cm
Male Weight0.05 kg
Female Weight0.055 kg
Life Expectancy12 years

Ease of Keeping

Beginner friendly: 3/5

Useful to know

Fischer's lovebird is a small parrot native to north-central Tanzania and named for the German explorer Gustav Fischer, who worked in East Africa in the late 19th century. Females famously tuck strips of bark and leaves into their rump feathers to carry nesting material. It is a popular cage bird with many color mutations, and escaped birds have formed small feral populations outside its native range. Trapping and habitat change have affected wild numbers in parts of its limited range.

Gallery

Bird photo
Bird photo
Bird photo
Green back and blue rump

Green back and blue rump

Bird photo
Bird photo
Bird photo
Flock in tree in Serengeti, Tanzania

Flock in tree in Serengeti, Tanzania

After a bath, they like to sun themselves.

After a bath, they like to sun themselves.

 Agapornis fischeri - MHNT

Agapornis fischeri - MHNT

Lovebirds are very active and love to chew things.

Lovebirds are very active and love to chew things.

Lovebirds are very active.

Lovebirds are very active.

Behaviour

Temperament

social and active

Flight Pattern

fast direct flight with rapid wingbeats

Social Behavior

Highly gregarious outside the breeding season, forming noisy flocks that feed and roost together. Strong, monogamous pair bonds are typical, with pairs maintaining close contact while foraging. Nests are built in tree cavities or crevices; females carry nest materials tucked into rump feathers.

Migratory Pattern

Resident

Song Description

Calls are high-pitched, sharp twitters and chatters delivered in rapid series. Flocks are vocal in flight, while paired birds exchange softer contact notes at close range.

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