Conservation Status:
Agapornis fischeri
Up to 58 grams
12.7 to 15 cm. tall
Up to 25 years
Grasslands and savannas
Mostly granivorous
21-23 days
Lanner falcon
The Fischer’s lovebird is endemic to north-central Tanzania, where they inhabit grasslands, savannas, and scrub forests. They will also live near areas with crops and agriculture.
Tags: Tanzania, Kilimanjaro, Maasai Steppe, East Africa View Africa | Habitat
The brightly colored Fischer’s lovebird is a type of small parrot—named for Gustav Fischer—discovered in the 19th century. It has a green back, chest, and wings. The bird’s neck is a golden yellow to orange color which deepens into a deeper orange-red on its the face. The lovebird’s beak is red and the top of the head is olive green. It may also have blue-or purple-colored plumage on the tail.
These birds do not exhibit sexual dimorphism, and it is difficult to tell male and female birds apart.
The Fischer’s lovebird is named for the strong bonds formed between mating pairs, which mate for life and are monogamous. Lovebirds show each other affection and are known for biting, or nipping, each other’s beaks—a behavior that makes them look as though they are kissing.
Fischer’s lovebirds are cavity nesters. They find natural cavities in trees, rocks, or buildings and use them to construct their nests. The nests are built using grass, stalks, and bark and have a roof over them.
Fischer’s lovebirds drink daily and live near water. They are not migratory, but will migrate if water sources become unavailable. On particularly hot days, they can be found near water holes or water sources where they can drink several times throughout the day.
Humans are responsible for the declining populations of Fischer’s lovebirds. The decline began in the 1970s, due to widespread trapping for captivity. In 1987, the Fischer’s lovebird was the most commonly traded bird in the world.
Fischer’s lovebirds feed on seeds, and on occasion fruits, and they can sometimes be found in agricultural areas or farmland, where they feed on crops. During feeding times, their flocks can grow well into several hundred birds. These high numbers can cause damage to fruit and crops, causing farmers to target them as pests.
African Wildlife Foundation influences policies on wildlife trade and trafficking and works to enforce harsher punishments for poachers and traffickers.
We are educating communities on the ecosystem and economic benefits of wildlife, like the Fischer’s lovebird, and we are also working with communities to set aside protected land for wildlife—in the form of conservancies.
With your help, AWF can continue our efforts to keep the Fischer’s lovebird’s populations from further decline, by working with communities and governments to protect this beautiful bird. Donate today to help ensure that the Fischer’s lovebird does not become an endangered species.
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