Fischer's Lovebird
Agapornis fischeri
| Scientific name | Agapornis fischeri |
|---|---|
| Conservation status | Near Threatened |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittacidae |
| Size | Length about 14-15 cm; weight about 42-58 g |
How to identify
Small, stocky green parrot with an orange-red face fading to olive on the crown and nape, a bright red bill, and a bold white eye-ring.
Habitat
Grassy savanna, acacia woodland, and cultivated areas on the plateaus of northern Tanzania
Diet
Mainly seeds and grains, supplemented by fruit, buds, and occasionally crops
When it is active
Diurnal and highly social, often seen in noisy, fast-flying flocks
Where it lives
Endemic to a small area of north-central Tanzania south and east of Lake Victoria, with feral populations elsewhere
How to spot it
Watch acacia trees and waterholes on the Serengeti and Ndutu plains at dawn, where flocks gather to feed and drink
Photography tips
Use a telephoto lens and wait at drinking spots; the vivid green and orange plumage pops against warm earthy backgrounds
Threats
Historically heavy trapping for the pet trade and a restricted range keep it Near Threatened
Similar species
Yellow-collared Lovebird has a dark head and yellow collar without the orange face; Fischer's shows an orange-red face and olive nape.
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