Abyssinian Lovebird

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Abyssinian Lovebird
Conservation status
Least Concern
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Aves Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittacidae Genus: Agapornis Species: A. taranta
Binomial name
Agapornis taranta (Stanley, 1814)

The Abyssinian Lovebird, Agapornis taranta also known as Black-winged Lovebird is a species of parrot. It is the largest of all lovebirds at about 6-6.5 inches. The Abyssinian Lovebird, like the Red-headed Lovebird and Grey-headed Lovebird, is sexually dimorphic. Both the male and female Abyssinian Lovebird are typically dark green. The male Abyssinian Lovebird has a red forehead with a red ring around the eye, tail is black tipped, feathers below the tail show a yellowish glow, rump and feathers above the tail are light green. Male feathers under the wing are typically black. The female has a green face with no red markings and the feathers under the wing are typically greenish or brownish black. Both sexes have a red beak and gray legs. The male Abyssinian Lovebird is typically more curious, brave, and tamer than the female.

The natural habitat for an Abyssinian Lovebird is typically from southern Eritrea to southwestern Ethiopia and they normally live in either high plains or mountainous regions. Abyssinian Lovebirds are normally found in the wild and are not typically kept as pets. Sunflower seeds, corn, apples and mission figs are typical of an Abyssinian Lovebird diet.

Widespread and a common species throughout its habitat range, the Abyssinian Lovebird is evaluated as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

[edit] References

• BirdLife International (2004). Agapornis taranta. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 8 March 2007. Database entry includes justification for why this species is of least concern

[edit] External links

• BirdLife Species Factsheet
• IUCN Red List