Lincoln Park Zoo

Common name: Masked lovebird
Latin Name: Agapornis personata

Class: Birds
Order:    Psittaciformes

Description
A small parrot species, the masked lovebird has a green body and wings topped by a yellow neck, a red beak and a dark brown head with large white rings around the eyes. The bird’s wingspan is four inches, and it weighs only 1.5 ounces

Range
Ethiopia and Tanzania

Status
Common

Habitat
Grasslands and open woodlands

Niche
The masked lovebird feeds primarily on grassland seeds, such as millet.

Life History
The masked lovebird lives in large flocks in the wild, and the birds’ frequent calls can be heard from a distance. The species lays its eggs in small cavities, building nests from grasses and bark. The female lays three–eight eggs, and she provides constant care for two weeks after they hatch, with the male bringing her food. After two weeks, the male and female share parenting duties.

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