Love Bird

Love Birds, arguably, one of the most beautiful birds in east Africa. They a

difficult to photograph because they are very shy and would not tolerate the

approach of vehicles except when they are in their nest, usually an old, dead

tree. I was lucky to photograph several members in this tree in Feb. of 2004,

but in subsequent trips to the same area, I have seen them many times, only

to fly away as soon as we try to aproach them.

Ndutu, see my attempts:

http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=4017679

http://www.photo.net/photodb/photo?photo_id=4019094

congrats with your shot,

Dirk

Very beautiful, Cesar. I believe this is a Fischer's Lovebird, isn't it?

BD

You are correct Dodson!

This is the Fischer's Lovebird (Agapornis fischeri). They are the smallest parrots found in east Africa and they are basically endemic in Tanzania. The other lovebirds found in these group are the Yellow-collared, the Lilian's Lovebird, the Black-collared, the Red-headed, and finally, the hybrid, which result from the frequent interbreeding of the Fischer's Lovebird and the Yellow-collared. The hybrid is very difficult to differentiate from the Fischer's.

Hope a little information may be of help to other members as well.

I will post a couple of other pictures from the same bird in its nest and with other members of the family. :-)

Regards,

Cesar Fernandez

Scooter, my lovebird, saw this photo while sitting on my shoulder and said, "birdy!" So I guess you get his approval!

I like the pic too, but I feel mostly envy at your opportunity to see these little guys in their natural habitat! I try to make my home the next best thing for my lovebird (peach-faced variety).