Nyasa Lovebird
Latin name
Agapornis lilianae
Common names
Nyasa Lovebird
Description
The Nyasa is very similar to the Fischer's Lovebird The most notable difference between them is the green rump feathers on the Nyasa and the blue ones on the Fischer's. Mutations:
Mutations are limited but do exist. The lutino is a simple recessive and not sex-linked. A blue mutation has been reported.
Size
Age at maturity
Lifespan
Distribution
Northeast Mozambique to eastern Zambia.
Personality
Housing
Feeding
Breeding
The Nyasa often builds a domed nest, so plenty of nesting material should be available to them. In the years prior to WWII they were prolific breeders, but that is not the case now. Unlike others in their genus, they are tolerant of their own kind and have been succesfully bred in colony systems. The 3 - 5 eggs that are laid are incubated for about 21 days. The chicks fledge at 6 weeks old.
Well established strains of Nyasa's are rare in aviculture. Unfortunately many are hybridized with Fischer's or Black-cheeked Lovebirds.
Availability
General notes
The Nyasa lovebird was named as a seperate species in 1894. Before this it was thought to be a variant or sexual form of the Peach-faced Lovebird. It came into aviculture in the early 1900's.
Living with this parrot
Video clips
Pictures
References and further reading
This page was last modified on Sunday, March 22, 2009