Fischer's Lovebird (Agapornis fischeri) is a small parrot species of the genus Agapornis. This species was originally discovered in the late 19th century. They are named after German explorer Gustav Fischer.
Fischer's lovebirds have a green back, chest, and wings. Their necks are a golden yellow and as it progresses upward it becomes darker orange. The top of their head is olive green, and the beak is bright red. The upper surface of the tail has some purple or blue feathers. They have a white circle of bare skin (eye-ring) around their eyes. Young birds are very similar to adults, except for the fact that they are duller and the base of their mandible has brown markings.
Fischer's lovebirds occur in a small area of east-central Africa, south and southeast of Lake Victoria in northern Tanzania. In drought years, some birds move west into Rwanda and Burundi seeking moister conditions. Fischer’s lovebirds live in savannas, isolated clumps of trees with grass plains between them, and near water sources. They also frequently visit agricultural areas.
Fischer’s lovebirds are diurnal birds. They live and travel in small flocks. They have a fast flight, and the sound of their wings as they fly can be heard. Like all Lovebirds, they are very vocal and when they do make noise they have a high-pitched chirp and can be very noisy.
Fischer's lovebirds are herbivores (granivores, frugivores). They eat a wide variety of seeds and sometimes berries and fruit. They also eat crops at farmlands such as maize and millet.
Fischer's lovebirds are monogamous and mate for life. The term lovebird arose from the strong bonds that mates make with one another. When separated, the physical health of each individual will suffer. Mates like to be in physical contact as much as possible. These birds breed in January-April and June through July. Their nest is in a hole in a tree 2-15 meters (6.5-49 ft) above the ground. The eggs are white and there are usually 4 or 5 in a clutch, but there could be as few as 3 or as many as 8. The female incubates the eggs for 23 days, and the chicks fledge from the nest about 38-42 days after hatching.
In 1987, the Fischer’s lovebird was the most popular traded wild bird in the world. Unfortunately, this species is still caught for trade. Fischer’s lovebirds also suffer from changes in climate and hybridization with Yellow-collared lovebirds.
According to IUCN Red List, the total population size of the Fischer’s lovebird is 290,000-1,002,000 individuals. Currently, this species is classified as Near Threatened (NT) on the IUCN Red List, and its numbers today are decreasing.
