Agapornis fischeri
Fischer's lovebird
(Also: Fischer's lovebird)

Agapornis fischeri, or Fischer's lovebird, is found primarily in Tanzania, in central east Africa. They are known from Rwanda and Burundi as well. They are most often sighted in Tanzania's northern districts of Nzega and Singida, the Serengeti, Arusha National Park, the southern edge of Lake Victoria, and the Ukerewe islands in Lake Victoria. (Dickinson, 2003; Forshaw, 2006; Fry, Keith, and Urban, 1988; Rauzon, 2001)

Agapornis fischeri lives at elevations of 1100 to 2000 m. They inhabit dry woodlands, scrub forests, and savannas dominated by Commiphora, Acacia, baobab, and Balanites trees. They are also frequently seen in agricultural areas. (Forshaw, 2006; Fry, Keith, and Urban, 1988; Rauzon, 2001; Williams, 1963)

Fischer's lovebirds are brightly colored and relatively small parrots. Females and males are identical in appearance. Individuals range in length from 12.7 to 15 cm with a wingspan of 88 to 89 mm, and weigh from 42 to 58 g. The eyes are surrounded by a white ring that makes the eyes stand out. The iris is dark brown, the beak is dark orange-red, ending in a white band near the nares. The face is orange, becoming olive-green and brown on the back of the head to the middle of the nape of the neck. The cheeks are dark orange, becoming lighter on the throat and yellow on the belly. The remainder of the body is a vibrant green. The wings are a darker shade of green compared to the body. The tail is wedged shaped and primarily green except for some blue feathers. The feet are light gray. (Bannerman, 1953; Forshaw, 2006; Fry, Keith, and Urban, 1988; Rogers, 1975; Soderburg, 1977; Vriends, 1978; Williams, 1963)

Immature A. fischeri have the same coloring pattern as adults, however their feathers are not as vibrant in color, young birds appear to have drab and dull plumage compared to adults. Young birds also have a black pigment at the base of their mandible. As they age the colors of their plumage sharpen and the coloring on their mandible fades until it disappears altogether. (Bannerman, 1953; Forshaw, 2006; Fry, Keith, and Urban, 1988; Rogers, 1975; Soderburg, 1977; Vriends, 1978; Williams, 1963)

Currently there is not much information on lifespan in wild Agapornis fischeri. Captive Fischer's lovebirds can live from 15 to 25 years. (Teitler, 1979)

Fischer's lovebirds tend to travel in tight flocks. When flying long distances, flocks fly quickly and directly. Flock size varies from 10 to 20 individuals up to hundreds when they congregate at food sources. (Forshaw, 2006; Rauzon, 2001)

Home Range

The home range and territory size of Fischer's lovebirds is not well documented. They tend to stay in one general area unless drought or famine forces them to move in order to find water or food. (Dickinson, 2003)

Fischer's lovebirds are very vocal birds. Their calls are comprised of sets of high-pitched, loud twitterings. The mating ritual is performed using physical and vocal signs. When threatened, they fly away or puff up their feathers to make themselves look larger and open their beaks slightly in preparation to bite if necessary. State of health can also be determined by physical cues such as resting position and feather appearance. (Fry, Keith, and Urban, 1988; Rauzon, 2001; Williams, 1963)

Fischer's lovebirds are ground feeders. They forage mainly for seeds, but they also eat fruits such as small figs. They are not migratory, but will travel widely to find food and water when hard pressed. They flock to agricultural areas at harvest time to eat cultivated millet and maize. Fischer's lovebirds need water daily. If it is unusually hot they can be found near water holes or water sources where they can get water several times a day. (Fry, Keith, and Urban, 1988; Rauzon, 2001; Williams, 1963)

The main known predators of Fischer's lovebirds are lanner falcons (Falco biarmicus).

Fischer's lovebirds contribute to seed dispersal by eating fruits and seeds. They are also prey to predatory birds such as lanner falcons (Falco biarmicus).

When Fischer's lovebirds flock to feed on crops their numbers can reach up to several hundred. In such large numbers they often damage fruit and grain crops. As a result, they are often killed by farmers because they are seen as pests. (Forshaw, 2006; Higdon, 2001; Williams, 1963)

Fischer's lovebirds have been kept as pets since the 1550's. They became part of the live bird trade in 1926. The first successful captive breeding of Agapornis fischeri was documented on January 11th of 1928. By the year 1931 the Berlin Zoo in Germany had reared 68 A. fischeri successfully in captivity. Today they are bred and sold as pets mainly in the United States and Europe. In 1987 A. fischeri was the most widely traded pet bird species in the world. (Rauzon, 2001; Soderburg, 1977; Vriends, 1978)

The main threats to Agapornis fischeri are the live bird trade and human habitat destruction. Populations are not currently considered threatened but, as is true for most parrot species, populations may become vulnerable if collection and habitat destruction are not curbed.

Fischer's lovebirds are difficult birds to keep healthy in captivity. They are active birds that need a lot of room. When confined to a cage their health tends to suffer. Instead of being active and vocal they often sit on the floor of the cage in a corner. Negative physical problems such as molting and becoming overweight also shorten the lifespan of captive A. fischeri. Surprisingly, they don't seem to have to much trouble acclimating to cold weather despite the fact that their original habitat is tropical. If they are kept away from drafts they can weather winters well.

Of all Agapornis species, A. fischeri is known to be the most acrobatic. (Higdon, 2001; Soderburg, 1977; Teitler, 1979)