The main threats to Agapornis fischeri are the live bird trade and human habitat destruction. Populations are not currently considered threatened but, as is true for most parrot species, populations may become vulnerable if collection and habitat destruction are not curbed.
US Federal List: no special status
CITES: no special status
State of Michigan List: no special status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: near threatened
The main known predators of Fischer's lovebirds are lanner falcons (Falco biarmicus).
Known Predators:
Fischer's lovebirds are brightly colored and relatively small parrots. Females and males are identical in appearance. Individuals range in length from 12.7 to 15 cm with a wingspan of 88 to 89 mm, and weigh from 42 to 58 g. The eyes are surrounded by a white ring that makes the eyes stand out. The iris is dark brown, the beak is dark orange-red, ending in a white band near the nares. The face is orange, becoming olive-green and brown on the back of the head to the middle of the nape of the neck. The cheeks are dark orange, becoming lighter on the throat and yellow on the belly. The remainder of the body is a vibrant green. The wings are a darker shade of green compared to the body. The tail is wedged shaped and primarily green except for some blue feathers. The feet are light gray.
Immature A. fischeri have the same coloring pattern as adults, however their feathers are not as vibrant in color, young birds appear to have drab and dull plumage compared to adults. Young birds also have a black pigment at the base of their mandible. As they age the colors of their plumage sharpen and the coloring on their mandible fades until it disappears altogether.
Range mass: 42 to 58 g.
Range length: 12.7 to 15 cm.
Range wingspan: 88 to 98 mm.
Other Physical Features: endothermic ; homoiothermic; bilateral symmetry
Sexual Dimorphism: sexes alike
Currently there is not much information on lifespan in wild Agapornis fischeri. Captive Fischer's lovebirds can live from 15 to 25 years.
Range lifespan
Status: wild: 12.6 (high) years.
Typical lifespan
Status: captivity: 15 to 25 years.
Agapornis fischeri lives at elevations of 1100 to 2000 m. They inhabit dry woodlands, scrub forests, and savannas dominated by Commiphora, Acacia, baobab, and Balanites trees. They are also frequently seen in agricultural areas.
Range elevation: 1100 to 2000 m.
Habitat Regions: tropical ; terrestrial
Terrestrial Biomes: savanna or grassland ; scrub forest
Other Habitat Features: agricultural
Agapornis fischeri, or Fischer's lovebird, is found primarily in Tanzania, in central east Africa. They are known from Rwanda and Burundi as well. They are most often sighted in Tanzania's northern districts of Nzega and Singida, the Serengeti, Arusha National Park, the southern edge of Lake Victoria, and the Ukerewe islands in Lake Victoria.
Biogeographic Regions: ethiopian (Native )
Fischer's lovebirds are ground feeders. They forage mainly for seeds, but they also eat fruits such as small figs. They are not migratory, but will travel widely to find food and water when hard pressed. They flock to agricultural areas at harvest time to eat cultivated millet and maize. Fischer's lovebirds need water daily. If it is unusually hot they can be found near water holes or water sources where they can get water several times a day.
Plant Foods: seeds, grains, and nuts; fruit
Primary Diet: herbivore (Frugivore , Granivore )
Fischer's lovebirds contribute to seed dispersal by eating fruits and seeds. They are also prey to predatory birds such as lanner falcons (Falco biarmicus).
Ecosystem Impact: disperses seeds
Fischer's lovebirds have been kept as pets since the 1550's. They became part of the live bird trade in 1926. The first successful captive breeding of Agapornis fischeri was documented on January 11th of 1928. By the year 1931 the Berlin Zoo in Germany had reared 68 A. fischeri successfully in captivity. Today they are bred and sold as pets mainly in the United States and Europe. In 1987 A. fischeri was the most widely traded pet bird species in the world.
Positive Impacts: pet trade
When Fischer's lovebirds flock to feed on crops their numbers can reach up to several hundred. In such large numbers they often damage fruit and grain crops. As a result, they are often killed by farmers because they are seen as pests.
Negative Impacts: crop pest
Fischer's lovebirds are very vocal birds. Their calls are comprised of sets of high-pitched, loud twitterings. The mating ritual is performed using physical and vocal signs. When threatened, they fly away or puff up their feathers to make themselves look larger and open their beaks slightly in preparation to bite if necessary. State of health can also be determined by physical cues such as resting position and feather appearance.
Communication Channels: visual ; tactile ; acoustic
Other Communication Modes: mimicry
Perception Channels: visual ; tactile ; acoustic ; chemical
Fischer's lovebirds are difficult birds to keep healthy in captivity. They are active birds that need a lot of room. When confined to a cage their health tends to suffer. Instead of being active and vocal they often sit on the floor of the cage in a corner. Negative physical problems such as molting and becoming overweight also shorten the lifespan of captive A. fischeri. Surprisingly, they don't seem to have to much trouble acclimating to cold weather despite the fact that their original habitat is tropical. If they are kept away from drafts they can weather winters well.
Of all Agapornis species, A. fischeri is known to be the most acrobatic.
Fischer's lovebirds, like other lovebirds in the genus Agapornis, mate for life. The term lovebird arose from the strong bonds that mates make with one another. When separated, the physical health of each individual will suffer. Mates like to be in physical contact as much as possible. They affectionately preen one another and bite each other’s beak (this action looks like the pair is kissing which is where to common name "lovebird" arose).
The mating ritual takes place when a male bird approaches a female, sidling back and forth, while bobbing his head up and down and twittering. The male will repeat this behavior, then approach the female to regurgitate into her mouth.
There are viable, wild hybrids of A. fischeri and a close relative, A. personatus, where they co-occur.
Mating System: monogamous
Fischer's lovebirds are cavity nesters. They seek out natural cavities in rocks, trees, buildings, or even deserted nests. Then the female collects vegetation in her beak such as grass, stalks, and strips of bark to line the cavity and create the nest. When finished, the nest is a bulky roofed structure which has a tunnel that leads to an enclosed chamber where the female will lay and sit on the eggs. The female becomes very aggressive, vicious and protective when nesting. Agapornis fischeri breed January to April and June to July during the dry season. The female lays 3 to 8 eggs per clutch. The eggs are small, round, and white. The eggs hatch after 21 to 23 days of incubation. Young fledge in approximately 38 days and become independent 4 1/2 weeks after hatching.
Breeding interval: The breeding interval for the Agapornis fischeri is not well documented, but birds may breed up to twice each year.
Breeding season: There are two breeding seasons, the primary breeding season is from January to April, followed by a shorter season which lasts from June to July.
Range eggs per season: 3 to 8.
Average eggs per season: 6.
Range time to hatching: 21 to 23 days.
Average fledging age: 38 days.
Average time to independence: 4 1/2 weeks.
Key Reproductive Features: iteroparous ; seasonal breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; oviparous
Only females incubate the eggs. While the female incubates the eggs, her mate feeds her through regurgitation. Baby birds hatch naked and helpless approximately 21 to 23 days after the females first lays the eggs. As soon as baby lovebirds hatch, both parents begin to feed their young through the process of regurgitation.
Parental Investment: altricial ; pre-fertilization (Provisioning, Protecting: Female); pre-hatching/birth (Protecting: Female); pre-weaning/fledging (Provisioning: Male, Female, Protecting: Male, Female); pre-independence (Protecting: Male, Female)
The Fischer's Lovebird (Agapornis fischeri) is virtually restricted to Tanzania south and east of Lake Victoria, with its range centered on the Serengeti. This species is found in wooded grasslands as well as (especially in the western part of its range) more open grasslands and cultivated areas. Fischer's Lovebirds feed largely on seeds. They drink every day and are often found near water. This species breeds colonially. Feral populations are present in Mombasa, Kenya, and elsewhere where they apparently hybridize with Yellow-collared Lovebirds. The Fischer's Lovebird is distinguished from the Red-faced Lovebird (A. pullarius, with which it co-occurs on islands in the south of Lake Victoria) by its golden brown collar, golden breast, and white eyering; it is distinguished from the Yellow-collared Lovebird (A. personatus, with which it overlaps narrowly at the southeastern margins of its range) by having an orange rather than yellow breast. Although Fischer's X Yellow-collared Lovebirds can be found in feral populations, these are not known from areas where the two species naturally occur together. In captivity (where any lovebirds may be seen!), the Fischer's combination of brown crown and nape, orange-red face, and blue rump distinguishes it. The Fischer's Lovebird is sometimes considered conspecific with (i.e., belonging to the same species as) the Yellow-collared Lovebird (and sometimes with the Black-cheeked, A. nigrigenis, and Nyasa, A. lilianae, Lovebirds as well). Fischer's Lovebirds are generally encountered in small flocks, often near water, and are usually quite tame and approachable. Although still quite common in some areas, and with large numbers in captivity outside its range, native populations may be endangered by the cagebird trade.
(Collar 1997 and references therein; Juniper and Parr 1998 and references therein)
Fischer's lovebird (Agapornis fischeri) is a small parrot species of the genus Agapornis. They were originally discovered in the late 19th century. They are named after German explorer Gustav Fischer.[2]
The Fischer's lovebird has a green back, chest, and wings. Their necks are a golden yellow and as it progresses upward it becomes darker orange. The top of the head is olive green, and the beak is bright red. The upper surface of the tail has some purple or blue feathers. It has a white circle of bare skin (eye-ring[3]) around its eyes. Young birds are very similar to the adults, except for the fact that they are duller and the base of their mandible has brown markings. They are one of the smaller lovebirds, about 14 cm (5.5 in)[4] in length and 43-58g weight.
While most Fischer's lovebirds are green, several color variations have been bred. The blue variation is predominant; lacking yellow, it has a bright blue back, tail, and chest, a white neck, a pale grey head and a pale pink beak. This mutation was first bred by R. Horsham in South Africa in 1957. There is a yellow lutino mutation, which first appeared in France. These birds are typically pale yellow with an orange face and a red beak. Further mutations are pied, black or dark eyed white, cinnamon, white, and albino mutations that have also been bred.
Lutino (yellow/orange) and Blu mutation
_in_flight.JPG)
A Fischer's lovebird in flight
Fischer's lovebirds show no sexual dimorphism; therefore, it is impossible to tell whether an individual is male or female through plumage alone.
The sexes of Agapornis fischeri appear the same, and are distinguished with certainty through DNA testing, and less certainly by their habits in perching. Generally, females sit with their legs farther apart than males because the female pelvis is wider.
Fischer's lovebird are native to a small area of east-central Africa, south and southeast of Lake Victoria in northern Tanzania. In drought years, some birds move west into Rwanda and Burundi seeking moister conditions. They live at elevations of 1,100-2,200m (3,600-7,200 ft) in small flocks. They live in isolated clumps of trees with grass plains between them. The population is estimated to be between 290,000 and 1,000,000, with low densities outside of protected areas due to capture for the pet trade; export licenses were suspended in 1992 to halt any further decline in the species. Although they have been observed in the wild in Puerto Rico and Florida, they are probably the result of escaped pets, and no reproduction has been recorded.[5] Around 100 mating pairs can be found in the wild between Porches and Armacao de Pera and Lagoa area in the Algarve region of Portugal. They have also been observed in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Fischer's lovebird has a fast flight, and the sound of their wings as they fly can be heard. Like all Lovebirds, they are very vocal and when they do make noise they have a high-pitched chirp and can be very noisy.
Fischer's lovebirds eat a wide variety of foods, including seeds and fruit. They sometimes are pests to farmers, as they eat their crops such as maize and millet.
Fischer's lovebirds, like other lovebirds in the genus Agapornis, mate for life. The term lovebird arose from the strong bonds that mates make with one another. When separated, the physical health of each individual will suffer.[6] Mates like to be in physical contact as much as possible. The breeding season is January through April and June through July.[7] The nest is in a hole in a tree 2 to 15 metres above the ground. The eggs are white and there are usually four or five in a clutch, but there could be as few as three or as many as eight. The female incubates the eggs for 23 days, and the chicks fledge from the nest about 38–42 days after hatching.[4][8]
Fischer's lovebirds are difficult birds to keep healthy in captivity. They are active birds that need a lot of room. When confined to a cage their health tends to suffer.[9]
Lovebirds are seen as charming and affectionate by their owners. Though they're not as cuddly as many parrots, they enjoy spending time with their owners, and require regular interaction.
As with many parrots, lovebirds are intelligent and inquisitive birds. In captivity, they like to investigate around the house, and have been known to figure out ways to escape from their cages, and to find hiding places where they may get stuck, and where it may be difficult to locate them.
Lovebirds are avid chewers, with strong beaks. They can enjoy "preening" the hair and clothing of their owners, and chewing on clothing, buttons, watches, and jewelry.
Female lovebirds are supposedly more aggressive than the males but both can make fine pets with patience and correct training.
Lovebirds (in general) are not known for their talking ability, although there are some lovebirds that do learn words - the females are usually the ones that do this. As is the case when many smaller parrots, the "voice" of lovebirds is high-pitched and raspy and it may be difficult to understand their speech.
Lovebirds are very vocal birds, making loud, high-pitched noises that can be a nuisance to neighbors. They make noise all day, but especially at certain times of day. However, Fischer's are not quite as loud as some other lovebird varieties, and while they cheep frequently, they do not scream like the larger parrots. Their noise level increases substantially when they are engaged in pre-mating rituals.
Fischer's lovebirds, like many captive birds, can suffer from feather-plucking and infections as a result of their obsessive biting of feathers and feet due to high levels of stress. This is more likely to occur with single lovebirds than those kept in pairs or groups. One hypothesis is that they suffer from hormonal problems caused by changing light levels and the inability to perform things Fischer's lovebirds in the wild would naturally perform, such as building a nest, socializing in groups, flying high and foraging. Another hypothesis is that it is caused by a pathogen. Treatments usually involve antibiotics for the wounds, some way to stop them from continuing the biting of the area and a change of environment. The Elizabeth collar may also be used, though wearing them is extremely stressful both to the bird wearing the collar and to the birds around it, and some lovebirds may start feather-plucking as a result of the stress.
Lovebirds require a varied daily diet. Female lovebirds may suffer from egg-binding due to mineral imbalance, an often fatal condition in which an eggshell does not harden and gets caught in the reproductive tract.
Fischer's lovebird (Agapornis fischeri) is a small parrot species of the genus Agapornis. They were originally discovered in the late 19th century. They are named after German explorer Gustav Fischer.
