Lilian's Lovebird
Lilian's Lovebird ( Agapornis lilianae )
The Lilian's Lovebird ( Agapornis lilianae ) is a species of bird 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. Lilian's Lovebird are among the rarer species among the lovebirds.
Description
Lilian's Lovebird Lovebirds are very small with only about 12-13 cm size and a weight of 28-37 g 's head and neck are salmon pink. This goes beyond coloring in yellow chest. The neck is also yellow and this color goes towards the back, into green. The tail feathers are just as green, however, with lateral black feathers. The eyes are dark brown and the beak bright red. Males and females are identical in plumage color. Young birds have a less red head.
Distribution and habitat
Distribution areas of Lilian's Lovebird are southern Tanzania and the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and the north-west of Mozambique and Malawi. Here they inhabit the moist lowland forests of the river valleys such as the Zambezi. At altitudes of 1000 m they inhabit in the district of Mopani acacia forests on alluvial soils and in river valleys.
Lifestyle and diet
Lilian's Lovebird are very social animals, except in the breeding season, live together in large flocks of 20 to 100 animals and more and then show quite extensive migrations. They also inhabit all the trees together and are also quite noisy. They feed - depending on the season - from sorghum, grass seeds, herbs, flowers, leaves and leaf buds and align it sometimes at great damage to agriculture.
Reproduction
The birds nest in colonies, primarily in knots of tall trees, but it also nests of weaver birds, mainly from buffalo weaver, accepted. The nesting material consists of small twigs and straw. The breeding season is in Zimbabwe between January / February and September, and in Zambia from January to July. There are laid 3-8 eggs, which are incubated for 21-22 days. After about 35 days, the young are fledged.