How to identify the Yellow-collared Lovebird

To correctly identify the Yellow-collared Lovebird (Agapornis personatus), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

14-15 cm

Wingspan

24-26 cm

Weight

40-60 g

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   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.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Strong, hooked, and reddish-orange in color.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

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

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Greyish-pink to grey.

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   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.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   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.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

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

Key field marks

• Head and Eye-ring. Look for the distinctive black 'mask' covering the face and forehead, sharply contrasted by bright white eye-rings.
• Collar Color. Observe the prominent bright yellow band around the neck and upper breast, which gives the bird its common name.
• Body Plumage. Note the vibrant green plumage on the back, wings, and underparts, with a contrasting blue rump.
• Beak Color. Identify the strong, hooked, reddish-orange beak.
• Vocalizations. Listen for their characteristic high-pitched, chattering, and screeching calls, often given in flight or when in a flock.

Explore the Yellow-collared Lovebird