Yellow-collared Lovebird

About

The Yellow-collared Lovebird, also known as Masked Lovebird, is a small, stocky parrot characterized by its distinctive black head, white eye-rings, and a prominent yellow collar. It is native to the arid and semi-arid regions of north-eastern Tanzania.

Size & lifespan

Length

14-15 cm

Wingspan

24-26 cm

Weight

40-60 g

Lifespan

5-10 years (wild), up to 15-20 years (captivity)

Diet

Herbivore (primarily granivorous and frugivorous)

Physical characteristics

Plumage

Adults have a striking black head, a bright yellow collar around the neck and upper breast, and a green body. The rump is blue, and the tail feathers are green with orange and black markings. The underparts are generally lighter green. There are several color mutations in captivity, but in the wild, the described coloration is standard.

Beak shape

Strong, hooked, and reddish-orange in color.

Eye color

Dark brown with a prominent white periophthalmic ring (eye-ring).

Leg color

Greyish-pink to grey.

Distinguishing features

The combination of a black head, white eye-rings, and a yellow collar is unique among wild lovebird species. The blue rump is also a key field mark.

Juvenile appearance

Juveniles resemble adults but have duller plumage, a less intense black on the head, and a paler yellow collar. The beak may have a blackish base or markings that fade with maturity.

Seasonal changes

No significant seasonal plumage changes.

Sexual dimorphism

Monorphic; males and females are visually identical. Sexing typically requires DNA testing or endoscopic examination.

How to identify

1. 1

   Head and Eye-ring

   Look for the distinctive black 'mask' covering the face and forehead, sharply contrasted by bright white eye-rings.

2. 2

   Collar Color

   Observe the prominent bright yellow band around the neck and upper breast, which gives the bird its common name.

3. 3

   Body Plumage

   Note the vibrant green plumage on the back, wings, and underparts, with a contrasting blue rump.

4. 4

   Beak Color

   Identify the strong, hooked, reddish-orange beak.

5. 5

   Vocalizations

   Listen for their characteristic high-pitched, chattering, and screeching calls, often given in flight or when in a flock.

Habitat & range

Biomes

Savanna, dry bushland, cultivated areas, and open woodlands.

Geographic range

Native to north-eastern Tanzania, particularly around the Serengeti National Park and the coastal regions. Feral populations exist in various urban areas worldwide due to escapes from captivity.

Elevation range

Typically found at elevations between 1,100 and 1,700 meters above sea level.

Preferred environments

Prefers areas with scattered acacia trees, baobabs, and other large trees for nesting and roosting, often near water sources. They adapt well to human-modified landscapes, including gardens and agricultural fields.

Behavior

Activity time

Diurnal. Most active during the early morning and late afternoon, resting during the hottest parts of the day.

Feeding habits

Feeds primarily on seeds of grasses and acacia, fruits (especially figs), berries, and occasionally insects or their larvae. They forage in flocks, often on the ground or in trees and shrubs.

Social behavior

Highly social birds, typically found in pairs or small flocks outside the breeding season. During the breeding season, they form larger colonies, especially around communal nesting sites. They are known for their strong pair bonds.

Flight pattern

Fast, direct, and often undulating flight with rapid wing beats. They are agile flyers, especially when navigating through dense vegetation.

Migration pattern

Resident; generally non-migratory, but may undertake local movements in search of food and water, especially during dry seasons.

Territoriality

Pairs are territorial around their nest site during the breeding season, but foraging flocks are generally cooperative.

Breeding & reproduction

Breeding season

Typically occurs during the dry season, from March to May and July to September, but can vary depending on local rainfall and food availability.

Nesting habits

Nests communally in tree cavities, often in baobab or acacia trees. They are also known to utilize old weaver bird nests or even man-made structures. The female builds the nest using strips of bark, leaves, and other plant material, which she tucks into her rump feathers to carry to the nest site.

Clutch size

3-8 eggs, typically 4-6.

Egg description

White, oval-shaped eggs.

Incubation period

Approximately 22-24 days, primarily by the female.

Fledging period

Chicks fledge around 42-45 days after hatching.

Parental care

Both parents participate in feeding the chicks after hatching, though the female does most of the incubation. Young are dependent on parents for a period after fledging.

Where to find

Field tips

1. Listen for Calls. Their loud, chattering calls often give away their presence before they are seen. Listen for these distinctive vocalizations, especially in the morning and late afternoon.
2. Observe Flocks. Yellow-collared Lovebirds are highly social. Look for small to medium-sized flocks feeding on the ground or perched in trees.
3. Check Tree Cavities. During the breeding season, observe tree cavities, especially in large acacia or baobab trees, as these are preferred nesting sites.
4. Visit Waterholes. They visit waterholes regularly, especially during dry periods. Waiting near a water source can increase your chances of spotting them.

Similar species

Quick facts

Common Name:

Yellow-collared Lovebird (Masked Lovebird)

Scientific Name:

Agapornis personatus

Native Range:

North-eastern Tanzania

Diet:

Seeds, fruits, berries

Conservation Status:

Least Concern

Social Behavior:

Highly social, forms pairs and flocks

Fun facts

• The 'personatus' in its scientific name refers to its 'masked' appearance, derived from the Latin word 'persona' meaning mask.
• Yellow-collared Lovebirds are popular cage birds, leading to the establishment of feral populations in various parts of the world, including Florida (USA) and parts of Europe.
• Like other lovebirds, they are known for their strong pair bonds, often seen preening each other and staying close together.
• Females have a unique method of carrying nesting material by tucking strips of bark or leaves into their rump feathers.

Scientific classification

Kingdom

Animalia

Phylum

Chordata

Class

Aves

Order

Psittaciformes

Family

Psittaculidae

Genus

Agapornis

Species

Agapornis personatus

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