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Black-cheeked Lovebird  (Agapornis nigrigenis)

Also Known As: Black-faced Lovebird
 
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Black-cheeked Lovebird, Zambia

Credit: (c) Louise Warburton, University of Natal
 
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Did You Know?
Because the agricultural potential of the lands where this species is from is poor the possibility of large-scale habitat loss due to cultivation and expansion is not impending.

Status in the Wild
World Population:
10,000

Range: Highly restricted range, from southern Kafue National Park, southwestern Zambia along Zambesi valley to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

Habitat:
Found in mopane and acacia woodland; also occurs in riparian forests and areas with fig trees. Found at 600-1000m (1968-3280 ft).

Threat Summary:
Trapping for wild bird trade; habitat loss, drought conditions, changing agricultural practices (from sorghum to maize).

IUCN Rating:
Vulnerable

Wild Diet:
Forages for seeds (annual herbs), grain, flowers, buds, young leaves and berries.

CITES Rating:
Appendix II

Ecology:
Generally stays near water source, found in flocks of up to a few dozen birds. May roost communally.

Clutch and Egg Size:
4 to 6, slightly elliptical, 21.5 x 16 mm (0.8 x 0.6 in).

Breeding Season:
Breeding only known from captivity but thought to resemble Nyasa Lovebird, November-December.

Project Status (WPT):
WPT and other groups have funded crucial preservation and research work for this species.
See: http://www.parrots.org/index.php/ourwork/pp_blackcheekedlovebird/

Links to Other Project(s):
http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/nisc/ostrich/2005/00000076/F0020003/art00009

http://www.nrf.ac.za/publications/researchfiles/2001/birds.stm

http://jvi.asm.org/cgi/content/full/78/17/9277

More Info Sites:
http://www.ukzn.ac.za/Biology/Uploads/10528ee3-ed1c-439a-beb0-f705983c3605/Parrot.doc

http://users.accesscomm.ca/pullaria/bnigrigenis.htm

http://www.arkive.org/black-cheeked-lovebird/agapornis-nigrigenis/