Yellow-collared Lovebird

Agapornis personatus

A colorful lovebird of East African savanna that is also found in woodland, cultivated areas, and around human habitation. Note the green back, the broad yellow collar, the black face, and the red bill. The flight is fast and direct, on twitching wingbeats. Often found in flocks. Similar to Fischer’s Lovebird, but easily separated by the black rather than orange head. However, hybrids showing a mix of the two species’ traits are now common, especially in Kenya and along the coast. The common calls are a scratchy “sveet” and high-pitched squeals. 

Identification

The yellow-collared lovebird is a mainly green small parrot about 14.5 cm (5.5 in) long. Its upperparts are a darker green than its lower surfaces. Its head is black, and it has a bright red beak with white above it and white eyerings. Yellow on the breast is continuous with a yellow collar and an expansion of yellow over the nape of the neck. Male and female have an identical external appearance.

Taxonomy

Scientific name
Agapornis personatus
Authority
Reichenow, 1887
Order
Psittaciformes
Family
Psittaculidae
Genus
Agapornis

Range and habitat

Migration
Resident species

Conservation

Population trend
stable

Photos

Distribution

Bird Calls

Other Birds

Rufous-tailed Rock-Thrush

Rufous-tailed Rock-Thrush

Monticola saxatilis

Distinctive, small, short-tailed thrush-like bird. Males are strikingly beautiful with bright blue-gray head, white back patch, and chestnut underparts. Females are reddish-brown and have a scaly appearance, with a tail pattern similar to males. Breeds on rocky mountain slopes and alpine meadows, usually above 1,500 m (5,000 ft). Usually shy but may be obvious when delivering its melodic Eurasian Blackbird-like song in flight.

Harlequin Duck

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

Fairly small, boldly patterned diving duck that lives a seemingly dangerous life near fast-moving water and jagged rocks. Male is striking and unmistakable. Female is dark brown with small white patches on face; compare with female scoters but note smaller size and smaller bill of Harlequin. In summer, almost invariably seen in pairs on rocky streams where they breed. Gathers in small flocks on rocky coastlines in winter. Feeds on insects, fish, and aquatic invertebrates. Frequently dives underwater. Vocalizations are cute, high-pitched squeaks. In North America, more numerous in the west than in the east; also occurs in eastern Asia and Iceland.

Crimson Fruitcrow

Crimson Fruitcrow

Haematoderus militaris

Easily-identified cotinga; the only large red other than macaws likely to be seen in rainforest canopy. Male is mostly shining red. Female is browner but told by size and shape; also note large bill. Rare and local in canopy of humid lowland forest; seems to be somewhat nomadic. Usually seen perched high in bare branches. Feeds on fruit that it plucks in short sallies, like a giant manakin. Call is a short, gruff bark, somewhat like call of Pompadour Cotinga but much deeper; easily overlooked.

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