Yellow Collared Lovebirds ( Habitat and Behavior)
Last Updated on November 8, 2023 by Ali Shahid
As a devoted Yellow Collared Lovebird owner, I’m excited to share the captivating world of these charming birds. The Yellow Collared Lovebird, also known as the masked lovebird, is a small parrot belonging to the lovebird genus in the Psittaculidae parrot family. They are admired for their calm temperament and boundless enthusiasm.
Originating from the Arusha Region of Tanzania, they’ve also found their way to Burundi and Kenya. While sightings in Puerto Rico and Arizona have occurred, they’re likely escapee pets with no recorded natural reproduction. Despite their active nature, their petite size makes them easy to care for.
These lovebirds are primarily green, measuring around 14.5 cm (5.5 in) with a striking black head, a bright red beak with a delicate white stripe, and a pristine white eyering. What’s intriguing is that both males and females share this external elegance, making visual differentiation a challenge.
In the following article, we will explore the world of Yellow Collared Lovebirds, including their physical characteristics, breeding, captivity tips, and behavior. Whether you are an experienced lovebird enthusiast or just starting your avian journey, you’ll be enchanted by these charming feathered companions.
| Overview of Yellow-collared Lovebird | |
| Common Name | Yellow-collared lovebird, Masked Lovebird, Black Masked Lovebird |
| Scientific Name | Agapornis personatus |
| Origin | Africa |
| Color | Dark Green and Low Green with black face and crown |
| Size | 5.5-6.1 Inches |
| Weight | 50gm |
| Personality | Active, Playful, and Friendly |
| Noise level | Low |
| Clutch Size | 4-5 Eggs |
| Incubation Period | 23 Days |
| Lifespan | 10-15 Years |
| IUCN Status | Least Concern (BirdLife International) |
Yellow-collared lovebird Habitat
These birds inhabit grassland and lowland savannas, but their habitat is also rich in baobab trees and acacia trees, as well as inland plateaus.
The masked lovebird needs access to water in all habitats, as well as drinking frequently throughout the day. Typically, they are found between 1,100 and 1,800 meters above sea level.
Physical Appearance
The yellow-collared lovebird is a charming little parrot that primarily sports a lovely shade of green. This adorable bird has deeper green feathers on its upper body compared to its lower parts. What really stands out is its striking black head, complemented by a vibrant red beak framed with white above it and delicate white eyerings.
Adding to its charm, you’ll notice a yellow patch on its chest that gracefully extends into a yellow collar and even further onto the back of its neck. The fascinating thing about this species is that both males and females share the same elegant appearance, making it nearly impossible to distinguish their gender just by looking at them.
In terms of size, the yellow-collared lovebird measures around 14.5-15.5 centimeters (approximately 5.5-6.1 inches) in length. It boasts a wingspan of about 9-10.5 centimeters (ranging from 3.5 to 4.1 inches) and weighs approximately 50 grams. You might also come across this endearing bird by other names like the masked lovebird, black-masked lovebird, or eye ring lovebird.
One of the most intriguing aspects of these lovebirds is their array of color mutations. You can find them in shades like blue, cobalt, mauve, slate, diluted slate, violet, lutino, and albino. What’s fascinating is that, despite these color variations, both male and female lovebirds share an identical external appearance, leaving you in wonder as to which one is which just by looking at them. It’s a testament to the beautiful diversity of these delightful birds!
Behavior
Yellow-collared lovebirds are renowned for their gentle disposition. In comparison to other lovebird species, they tend to be less aggressive, making them quite compatible with fellow feathered friends, whether of the same species or different ones. However, it’s crucial to initiate proper socialization early in their lives. Regular interaction and handling are key to ensuring they don’t develop territorial or aggressive behaviors.
When it comes to their temperament, it’s worth noting that it can vary depending on the bird’s gender. Female lovebirds may exhibit slightly more territorial and aggressive tendencies compared to their male counterparts. Nevertheless, some experts argue that there might not be a noticeable gender-based difference in their temperament.
Yellow-collared lovebirds are not just calm; they are also active and playful companions. They tend to form deep bonds with their human owners and are sociable creatures that relish the company of both fellow birds and people.
However, it’s vital to begin taming and working with them at a young age to prevent territorial and aggressive tendencies from surfacing. These lovely birds are also known for their inclination towards jealousy, so sharing your affection equally among your feathered friends is a good practice.
Sound
Yellow-collared lovebirds are quite the chatterboxes, known for their distinctive vocalizations. Their repertoire includes a scratchy “sveet” sound and high-pitched squeals (ebird.org). These charming birds are not limited to their own sounds; they can also mimic various noises and certain sounds, showcasing their remarkable vocal talents.
Housing
The yellow-collared lovebirds require plenty of space even though they are small. As a general rule, 18″ x 18″ (45 cm x 45 cm) is the minimum size that is recommended. This method only has the disadvantage that the door will have to remain open most of the day. You’ll need a much bigger cage if you want the proper growth of your exotic pet.
Breeding
Breeding yellow-collared lovebirds can be a rewarding endeavor, whether you choose to pair them up or keep them in a group. Let’s explore some key tips for successfully breeding these lovely birds.
Housing: Yellow-collared lovebirds have a bit of a temper, so it’s best to keep them in their own space without other bird species. Make sure their living environment maintains a moderate temperature, and avoid exposing their cage to direct sunlight. If you wish to have a mix of bird species, consider providing a spacious flight with several feeding stations to reduce conflicts.
Nesting: These lovebirds are quite the builders, crafting their nests from twigs and bark strips. During the courtship phase, the male lovebird engages in a charming dance, moving his head up and down while approaching the female. About a week after mating, the female will lay 3-5 eggs, which she will incubate for three weeks. After roughly 23 days, the eggs will hatch, and the chicks will leave the nest approximately 42 days later.
Nesting Material: It’s a good idea to offer plenty of willow and fresh bark to your nesting birds. This is a practice inspired by their wild counterparts, which helps maintain humidity in the nest. While not always necessary in captivity, it can be a vital part of their nesting behavior.
Mating: Males exhibit a peculiar behavior by scratching their heads with their feet before mating. Lovebirds typically start mating when they reach about a year of age. During courtship, males demonstrate their affection by bringing food to the nest and feeding their partners.
Nutrition
The yellow-collared lovebird requires a variety of foods to remain healthy. These birds are commonly found feeding on fruits, grasses, seeds, and vegetables in the wild. No matter what you give them, they will eat it. Generally, they consume a variety of foods depending on where they reside and what time of year it is.
It is important to maintain a diet that is as diverse as possible for your bird. The percentage of seeds in a lovebird’s diet should not exceed 25%. Despite their love for seeds, seeds don’t provide a complete diet. In addition, they contain a high level of fat, which is not particularly beneficial to birds.
High-quality pellet bird food should be the basis of their diet. The right nutrients are often added to ensure that these birds receive a complete and balanced diet. The diet should be supplemented with fresh foods, including a variety of fruits. Make sure that you only feed your birds fruits that are safe for them.
It is a good idea to rotate the fresh foods you provide. This will improve your bird’s overall health by increasing its intake of vitamins and nutrients. It may take some time for your lovebird to get used to new foods, so you should expect him or her to be a bit uncertain at first. For extra calcium, it is recommended that you provide your bird with a cuttlebone treat.
Care
Taking care of lovebirds is relatively simple. Their needs, however, are a little different. Taming them requires a great deal of training and handling.
If not, they can develop aggressive and territorial behaviors. It is difficult to manage these birds due to their unfriendliness, but proper socialization can help.
Color variation
There is no older color transformation known in the bird family of love than the blue transformation found in the wild in the 1920s.
A selection of lineages can also create mutations, such as two cobalts that will become mauve (black). Blue, cobalt, mauve, slate, thin slate, violet, lutino, and albino are a few of the color variations.
There are some genes for blue and lutino transformations that haven’t been passed along before or that have been suppressed in the original weave variant.
The Lutino does not receive the microstructure required to produce blue-based colors in its normal form, which results in a yellow color everywhere.
Neither the yellow nor red pigment genes were passed along with the original blue color. The albino is the most recent “color” in which the Lutino has been combined with the blue color.
There is a noticeable difference in the brightness of the dark feathers, between the wings, and inside the mouth in the dilute mutation.
In its early years, this note was originally called “yellow” because of its green (wild) color. Hydrogeologists created this color with enthusiasm soon after and it was once protected by blue-winged birds. This combo was previously known as “White”, but today it is known as the Delity Blue.
Health Problems
The health of lovebirds is generally good. If they are housed properly, they usually do not develop problems.
Nonetheless, they are susceptible to certain common illnesses. Sick birds tend to withdraw from friends and family, have dull feathers and skin, as well as watery eyes, runny noses, and excessive sleeping.
Speech and Vocalizations
In comparison with some other lovebird species, yellow-collared lovebirds do not have a high level of voice. When they are seeking attention, they may scream at high pitches. Even though they normally make very quiet vocalizations, you should not expect them to make any noise at all.
It is well known that they are capable of mimicking various sounds. In general, females can mimic sounds and speech more easily than males, but many males can as well. In some cases, both sexes will converse.
It is common for birds to differ in their vocalizations from one another. Some are louder than others. The trait varies based on the individual.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price of a yellow-collared lovebird?
Masked lovebirds cost around $150 on average. Most, however, cost around $100.
Can Yellow-collared lovebirds communicate?
Lovebirds aren’t known for their skills as talkers by any means, and yellow-collared lovebirds are no exception. In addition, they can learn some short phrases and sounds like other parrots.
