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Black-winged Lovebird  (Agapornis taranta)

Also Known As: Abyssinian Lovebird
 
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Captive Black-winged Lovebird

Credit: (c) Rosemary Low, Ron and Val Moat
 
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Did You Know?
The Black-winged or Abyssinian Lovebird is the only lovebird that uses its own feathers for its nest. Other lovebirds use twigs, leaves and other debris.

Status in the Wild
World Population:
Not recorded

Range: Highlands of Ethiopia and S Eritrea.

Habitat:
Found from 1600-3800m (5248-12,464 ft) in highlands associated with montane forest, lower altitudes in grassy savanna and acacia, combretum and hypericum woodland; also seen in cultivated and some urban areas.

Threat Summary:
Trapped for local bird trade. Regarded as minor crop pest and may be target of chemical spraying used against birds.

IUCN Rating:
Least concern

Wild Diet:
Feeds on tree fruits, including figs and berries.

CITES Rating:
Appendix II

Ecology:
Seen in small flocks outside of breeding season. Gathers in larger numbers where food abundant. Roosts communally in tree cavity, often an old woodpecker or barbet nest.

Clutch and Egg Size:
3-4 rounded eggs, 24.5 x 19.0mm (0.95 x 0.7 in)

Breeding Season:
March-November

Links to Other Project(s):
http://www.ivis.org/proceedings/eazwv/2002/Birds/Birds.pdf

More Info Sites:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abyssinian_Lovebird

http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/sites/index.html?action=SitHTMDetails.asp&sid=6272&m=0

http://www.africanlovebirdsociety.com/species/abyssinian.htm