Black-cheeked Lovebird
Agapornis nigrigenis
A gregarious small green parrot with a red bill, white eye-ring and chocolate-brown face. Immature has a duller bill and eye-ring. Pairs and small and large flocks inhabit tall broadleaf Mopane and mixed woodlands, where they can be locally common; very range-restricted to a small portion of southwest Zambia. Gives a variety of chittering and screechy chatters that draws attention to their presence. The similar Lilian’s Lovebird differs from Black-cheeked Lovebird by its orange-red face.
Identification
The black-cheeked lovebird is 14 cm (5.5 in) in length, with mostly green plumage, reddish-brown forehead and forecrown, brownish-black cheeks and throat, orange bib below the throat which fades to yellowish-green, white eye-rings and grey feet. Adult have bright red beaks, while juveniles of the species are similar but with a more orange bill. Vocalizations are loud, piercing shrieks, which sound like the calls of other lovebirds.
Taxonomy
The black-cheeked lovebird is monotypic. The black-cheeked lovebird is sometimes seen as a race of Lilian's lovebird.
- Scientific name
- Agapornis nigrigenis
- Authority
- Sclater, WL, 1906
- Order
- Psittaciformes
- Family
- Psittaculidae
- Genus
- Agapornis
Range and habitat
The black-cheeked lovebird inhabits deciduous woodland, where permanent supplies of surface water exist, as it needs daily access to water. In the dry season, these birds may congregate in large flocks of up to 800 or more. They are found in Zambia and may occur in Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia.
- Migration
- Resident species
Behavior
Migration pattern: Resident species.
Conservation
It is listed as a vulnerable species as its population is in decline due to continuous habitat loss. This is due to gradual desiccation of water bodies, causing drought, farming practices, hunting and trapping, fishing, logging and diseases. There are currently only between 2,500 and 9,999 mature individuals. However, they occur in nature reserves and there is an action plan in place to help them.
- Population trend
- declining
Photos
Distribution
Bird Calls
Other Birds
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Conopophaga aurita
Plump, short-tailed bird of Amazonian rainforest. Both sexes have a chestnut breast. Male has a black face and throat and a bright white tuft behind the eye. Female lacks black in her plumage, and instead of a tuft she has a pale line through her face. Female is similar to female Ash-throated Gnateater but has plain, unmarked wings. Birds in central Brazil south of the Amazon are now considered a separate species, Black-breasted Gnateater; male Chestnut-belted has less black extending only to upper breast; female looks almost identical. Usually seen on a low perch in the understory and may resemble a small antpitta. Vocalizations include a rattling, metallic trill and a short, soft “chuff”.
Andaman Boobook
Ninox affinis
A compact owl with brownish face and upperparts. Note the bold, rust-colored streaks running down the underparts. The vent is usually white, and the tail has bars running across it. Relatively shy, active outside daylight hours in well-wooded areas. The call is a distinctive low and resonant guttural “kroooo.”
Blue-winged Warbler
Vermivora cyanoptera
Small, yellow warbler found in scrubby or cut-over habitats with some large trees, including field edges or powerline cuts. Yellow overall with black line through eye. Blue-gray wings with two whitish wingbars; sharply pointed bill. Adult males brighter than females and immatures. Two-note buzzy song sounds rather insect-like. Winters in Central America. Hybridizes with Golden-winged Warbler.
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