Grey-headed Lovebird (Agapornis canus)

Other Names (World)
Grey-headed Lovebird, Gray-headed Lovebird, Madagascar Lovebird, Lavendar-headed Lovebird

Family
Psittacidae (Parrots)

Size
13 - 15 cm

First Described (Guide)
(Gmelin, 1788)

Habitat
Subtropical and tropical lowland dry shrubland, dry savanna, pastureland, plantations. From sea-level - 1,500 m.

Range (Guide)

Madagascar, Seychelles (E) (B).

Introduced to Comoros (B), Mauritius (E), Mayotte (B).

Population
Estimated population is unknown (2020) and stable.

Status LC
Trapping for the cage-bird trade is the main threat.

For more information see BirdLife International Species Factsheet.

Habits
Usually in flocks of up to 30, but may congregate in larger numbers where food is plentiful. Will associate with the Madagascar Red Fody (Foudia madagascariensis), Sakalava Weaver (Ploceus sakalava) and Madagascar Munia (Lepidopygia nana).

Food
Mainly grass seeds. Also rice spread out to dry in villages and farms.

Voice
Shrill and metallic notes uttered in flight and at roost before nightfall. Also quiet chattering. High-pitched notes uttered in alarm.

Xeno-Canto Sound Files (more (21)...)

Grey-headed Lovebird (Agapornis canus) [XC394573]
by Ken Behrens from Mahajanga Province; Ankarafantsika National Park, Madagascar (call)

Grey-headed Lovebird (Agapornis canus) [XC294326]
by Paul Lenrum\u00e9 from Isalo National Park, Isalo, Madagascar (call)

Eggs (Guide)
Clutch Size: 5 - 7
Dimensions: 19 x 16 mm (rounded)

Subspecies
The following 2 subspecies are recognised:

canus (Gmelin, 1788) - Western and eastern Madagascar.
ablectaneus Bangs, 1918 - Arid south-western Madagascar.

References
See References.

Files:

JPG files for Grey-headed Lovebird (Agapornis canus) - 10 files

More Information

BirdLife International

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BirdLife International Species Factsheet.

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