Masked Lovebird

• ExerciseVery high

  A high-energy flyer — serious daily flight time and enrichment are essential.

• GroomingEasy upkeep

  Fresh bath water and an occasional mist are all they ask.

• Living spaceStandard cage

  A proper cage and daily out-of-cage time fit fine in an apartment.

• Owner experienceFor experienced owners

  Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• Commitment10–15 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Respiratory issues · Obesity · Egg binding

The Masked Lovebird (Agapornis personatus), also called the Yellow-collared Lovebird, is native to northeastern Tanzania and is the second of the white-eye-ringed lovebirds commonly kept. Its dark hood and yellow collar make it one of the most striking small parrots, and blue and other colour mutations are widely bred. Adults weigh 43 to 55 grams and live ten to fifteen years. Behaviourally it is a classic lovebird: fearless, hugely energetic, endlessly busy and quick to defend its territory. Masked Lovebirds are more inclined than Fischer's to be feisty with other birds, so mixed aviaries need care and lovebirds should never be housed with budgies or cockatiels, which they can seriously injure. A hand-raised single bird given daily interaction makes an affectionate pet; a pair will bond to each other. Either way they need a genuine social outlet. They are prodigious chewers and need constant safe material to destroy, plus a wide cage allowing real flight and daily supervised time out. Feed formulated pellets with fresh vegetables and leafy greens; all-seed diets cause obesity and fatty liver in this species as in every parrot. Hens are strongly prone to chronic egg laying, and repeated clutches deplete calcium and can end in fatal egg binding, so avoid nest boxes, huts and dark cavities entirely, keep daylight to around ten hours, and provide a cuttlebone. Keep the air free of non-stick fumes and aerosols, and see an avian vet if breathing, droppings or appetite change.

• How much activity does a Masked Lovebird need?

  Very high. A high-energy flyer — serious daily flight time and enrichment are essential.

• How much feather care does a Masked Lovebird need?

  Easy upkeep. Fresh bath water and an occasional mist are all they ask.

• What cage does a Masked Lovebird need?

  Standard cage. A proper cage and daily out-of-cage time fit fine in an apartment.

• Is a Masked Lovebird a good fit for first-time owners?

  For experienced owners. Rewards owners who know the ropes.

• How long do Masked Lovebird live?

  10–15 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Masked Lovebird?

  Keep an eye out for Respiratory issues, Obesity, Egg binding. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

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