Black-masked lovebirds
commonly breed between the ages of ten months and five
to six years, during this time they may produce several
egg clutches within a single year. This is favorable to
bird enthusiasts who breed them in captivity and
accounts for much of their popularity in the pet trade
from their homeland in Africa to family homes in
the United States. During breeding season
the behavior between partners will change: the male mask
lovebird displays more agitated behavior, the female
begins nesting, and appetite increases for both
sexes.
The nests are almost entirely made by the females
and the three to six eggs are incubated for about twenty-three
days. The hatchlings will be cared for by the female until
they leave the nest at about six weeks of age. The father
then takes over the feeding of the young birds for another
two weeks or so until they reach independence.
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Breeding infrequently
occurs between different species in captivity and less
often in the wild, and the hybrids yielded can
often be very successful and fertile. Cross Breeding
by humans yield some colorful varieties of lovebirds,
such as the popular blue mutation, other various colors
and several albino mutations have also been seen.
The viability of hybrids can be a danger to the continued
existence of the nine true species of lovebirds. Captive
breeding may yield several broods that are either
sold or bred, and there is no public record presently
available of a complete species population.
Lovebirds in the wild have natural predators and
a higher immunity to avian related diseases, whereas captive
lovebirds are sheltered from predators and need extra
care and hygiene to prevent illness. Regardless of the
natural and human forces working against them, the Black-
masked lovebird numbers and popularity are high and
still growing.
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Black Palm Cockato Courtship
Fossil Specimens Discovered in The USA
