Agapornis taranta
The Black-winged Lovebird, Agapornis taranta, is a strikingly beautiful and unique member of the parrot family, Psittaculidae, endemic to the highlands of East Africa. Measuring around 16-17 cm in length and weighing 42-48 grams, this predominantly green lovebird is easily identified by its distinctive black primary and secondary wing feathers, which are unique among lovebird species. Males exhibit clear sexual dimorphism, boasting a vibrant red forehead and lores that are absent in the all-g...
This species thrives in high-altitude montane forests, woodland edges, and shrublands, typically found between 1,300 and 3,000 meters above sea level. They prefer areas with abundant large trees for nesting and foraging, often in proximity to water sources.
Their diet primarily consists of various seeds, fruits (especially wild figs), berries, and nuts, supplemented with buds and flowers. They forage adeptly in the canopy of trees and shrubs.
Black-winged Lovebirds are diurnal and highly social, spending their days foraging in small flocks of up to 20-30 individuals, occasionally gathering in larger groups where food resources are abundant. They are agile climbers, meticulously navigating branches to find food, exhibiting a methodical...
The Black-winged Lovebird is endemic to the high-altitude regions of the Ethiopian Highlands and adjacent parts of Eritrea in East Africa. Its distribution is primarily concentrated within the Ethiopian Plateau, particularly in the central and southern highlands, extending into the northern mount...
Least Concern
- The Black-winged Lovebird is the only lovebird species with distinct sexual dimorphism in its plumage, where only the male possesses a red face. - It is one of the very few lovebird species endemic to mainland Africa, rather than islands. - Its distinctive black flight feathers make it unique a...