The Black-cheeked is similar to the Masked Lovebird. However the mask of the Black-cheeked does not cover the whole head and the top of the head is visibly lighter than the cheeks. The underparts are green, not yellow and there is no yellow collar. The throat has a small patch of pinkish orange. The legs are grey and the beak orange. The sexes are similar and the immatues are duller than the adults.

Length 14cm (5.5 inches)

Southwest Zambia.

 

The Black-cheeked Lovebird is a reliable breeder if kept free of very cold weather and damp. They build a substantial nest, so provide plenty of nesting material. Twigs should be smaller than those offered to Peach-faced Lovebirds.

This may be a more appropriate species to consider breeding than some other Lovebirds species as it has a limited natural range and is often hybridised in aviculture.

They used to be numerous in aviculture but are much rarer now. Many that are available will actually be hybrids.

This was the last of the Lovebird species to be discovered in 1904. They where exported to Germany and Great Britain where the first breedings were recorded.