Yellow-collared Lovebird
Black head ( Agapornis personatus )
The black head ( Agapornis personatus ) is a species in the genus of lovebirds. Together with the other species of this genus as well as the Grey Parrot, the long wing parrots, the Rose-ringed Parakeet and endemic to Madagascar Vasa Parrots counts this type to the typical parrot species of the Afrotropical.
Description
The body plumage has a green base color, the face and crown is brown to black. The beak is red and the iris is surrounded by a white ring wide eyes. Black heads are in contrast to the Rußköpfchen a bright yellow-colored chest and neck. The tail feathers are green and run out at the end of in a matte blue. Young animals are inconspicuous colored especially the head is brown. Black heads are up to 15 cm tall. The males of this species weigh 50 g The females are slightly heavier with 56 g. They can be 18 to 20 years old.
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the Black condyle extends to Tanzania and southwestern Zambezi River and in southwestern Kenya. Black heads were also naturalized in the region around Nairobi and Dar es Salaam.
They inhabit grasslands with sporadic trees, consisting mainly of baobabs and acacias. They are found at altitudes 1100-1800 m.
Lifestyle and diet
There are very lively birds that are very affectionate and playful. The females are extremely nimble and react to other birds often aggressive. She also enjoys bathing. They usually live in small groups of 4-5 animals. Sometimes, however, there are also schools of up to 100 animals together.
They feed on grass seeds and sorghum.
Reproduction
Black head breed in colonies in the dry season from March to August. They prefer nest cavities in knot holes or niches but also build nests of swifts to a kobel shaped nest of which has a side entrance. The nesting material is entered by the female with his beak. This behavior differs from this type of mountain parrot and the Rosenköpfchen that clamp their nesting material in the feathers to bring it to the nest box. Both partners are involved in nest building.
There are 4 rare 5 or more eggs laid the are then incubated for 21-23 days. The young are born blind and open only after about 10 days, the eyes, after about 43 days, then the young fledge.
Systematic position
In the past two subspecies were distinguished, with the nominate Agapornis personata personata were usually referred to as black heads and the second subspecies Agapornis personata nigrigensis with her dark head feathers significantly less than Rußköpfchen. The Rußköpfchen is now considered a separate species ( Agapornis nigrigensis ).