Black-masked Lovebirds aka Masked Lovebirds (Eye-rings)
If you are starting out with lovebirds, I would also recommend visiting the following webpages:
Masked Lovebirds are quite popular in the pet trade. They are readily available and several, very attractive color mutations have been produced in captivity. I had in my own aviaries the normal green mutation, but also had the pleasure of having had or seen the very attractive blue, yellow or albino mutations.
The Masked Lovebirds, also referred to as the "Eye-rings" by many breeders, are simply visually spectacular and fun aviary occupants. They are just as curious and clowny as the other lovebird species that I know of. A colony of lovebirds can be noisy though. This needs to be taken into consideration when deciding on populating your aviary -- especially when your neighbors are close-by. If noise is an issue, it may be better to stick with finches, grass keets and canaries. If noise is not so much an issue, lovebirds - including masked lovebirds - make great aviary birds.
Description (Normal Green Masked Lovebird):
The Black-masked lovebird has an overall black head and the traditional color of its plumage is green with a yellow collar. However, other mutations -- specifically blue and yellow -- have been bred in captivity.
Another consistent characteristic of this species is a white ring that encircles both eyes.
- The sexes are similar in appearance
- Head: dark sooty brown to black
- Wings: dark green, the underside is lighter
- The breast and the nape of the neck are yellowish and the flight feathers are black
- Rump: grayish blue
- Beak is red
- Legs and feet:are gray
Distribution and Habitat:
The Black-masked lovebirds originate from African and can specifically found on inland plateaus in northeastern Tanzania in light brushwood and trees.
Lovebirds are social creatures. In the wild, they usually can be seen in small nesting colonies. In captivity, they do best in an aviary setting. If kept in cages, they should be set up with another lovebird.
Behavior:
The black-masked lovebirds are quite popular as companion birds. They are friendly and sociable - but need the companionship of a mate or partner. Couples can be seen grooming and feeding each other. It's very endearing and fun to watch.
If kept alone, they require a lot of attention from the owner to make up for the lack of a cage mate. Unless you have a lot of time to give, this is not recommended. If ignored, they are likely to turn aggressive and neurotic, as many parrots will.
Lovebirds, in general, can be aggressive to birds outside their own family group. Care is to be taken when introducing new birds into the area.
Diet:
Lovebirds should be fed a quality seed mix, in addition to providing them with vegetables and fruits. It is recommended to supplement their diet with vitamins and minerals. Bird-specific vitamins are available at the vets or better pet stores. Please click here for more information on nutritional requirements.
Breeding
Black-masked lovebirds can start breeding when they are as young as ten months of age and may continue until they are five to six years. They are very prolific and may produce several egg clutches within a single year. Due to this, they are usually readily available on the pet market.
During breeding season the behavior between partners will change: the male displays a more aggressive behavior, while the female begins preparing the nest. There are specific nesting boxes for lovebird-size birds, but if not available a cockatiel nesting box will do just fine. Click here for nesting boxes.
The nests are almost entirely made by the females and the three to six eggs are incubated for about twenty-three days. The hatchlings will be cared for by the female until they leave the nest at about six weeks of age. The father then takes over the feeding of the young birds for another two weeks or so until they are weaned.
Caring for your Lovebird:
- Lovebirds as Pets - Information on personality, diet, housing, special needs
- Talking Ability (compared to other species)
- Procuring a Lovebird
- Breeding Lovebirds
- Lovebird Species
- Lovebird Books
Training and Behavioral Guidance:
Lovebirds are pretty easy to manage for most people. They are not as destructive and noisy as their larger cousins. If not properly socialized, however, they will discover their beaks as method of "disciplining us". It really is important to learn to understand them and to guide their behavior before an undesirable behavior has been established.
- Web Resources: I put together web resources for you to help you understand your pet bird and properly direct him. Please visit this website for valuable tips on parrot behavior and training.
- If you are, as I am, a visual learner and prefer step-by-step instructions to train your pet, I recommend:
- the Parrot Training Course to teach your parrot to:
- Stop Biting
- Perform Tricks &
- Tame ANY SIZE bird you could possibly own
- and/or try the "Teach Your Parrot to Talk" Training Course.
- the Parrot Training Course to teach your parrot to:
Species: Scientific: Agapornis personatus aka Agapornis personata ... English: Masked Lovebird ... Dutch: Zwartmaskeragapornis ... German: Schwarzköpfchen, Masken Unzertrennlicher ... French: Inséparable tête noir
If you would like to add to or correct any of the above information, or would like to share with web visitors your own experiences, please e-mail the webmaster.
Photo contributions are welcome!
