The Fischer's Lovebird (Agapornis fischeri) is virtually restricted to Tanzania south and east of Lake Victoria, with its range centered on the Serengeti. This species is found in wooded grasslands as well as (especially in the western part of its range) more open grasslands and cultivated areas. Fischer's Lovebirds feed largely on seeds. They drink every day and are often found near water. This species breeds colonially. Feral populations are present in Mombasa, Kenya, and elsewhere where they apparently hybridize with Yellow-collared Lovebirds. The Fischer's Lovebird is distinguished from the Red-faced Lovebird (A. pullarius, with which it co-occurs on islands in the south of Lake Victoria) by its golden brown collar, golden breast, and white eyering; it is distinguished from the Yellow-collared Lovebird (A. personatus, with which it overlaps narrowly at the southeastern margins of its range) by having an orange rather than yellow breast. Although Fischer's X Yellow-collared Lovebirds can be found in feral populations, these are not known from areas where the two species naturally occur together. In captivity (where any lovebirds may be seen!), the Fischer's combination of brown crown and nape, orange-red face, and blue rump distinguishes it. The Fischer's Lovebird is sometimes considered conspecific with (i.e., belonging to the same species as) the Yellow-collared Lovebird (and sometimes with the Black-cheeked, A. nigrigenis, and Nyasa, A. lilianae, Lovebirds as well). Fischer's Lovebirds are generally encountered in small flocks, often near water, and are usually quite tame and approachable. Although still quite common in some areas, and with large numbers in captivity outside its range, native populations may be endangered by the cagebird trade.
(Collar 1997 and references therein; Juniper and Parr 1998 and references therein)
Rights Holder: Leo Shapiro
