Lovebird species comparisons?

[Shelby]

I have been trying to find out more about lovebirds lately. However, the only information I can readily find on the Internet is generic info about care, feeding, and training. I can't really find any info on the differences between the species, like peach-faced, masked, and fischer's, other than color variations.

Anyone have experience with lovebirds or can tell me what some of the personality differences are between the species? Is one kind [generally] more calm than another? One more vocal than the others? Etc.

Thank you!
(PS: Right now I am going back and forth between a cockatiel and a lovebird for my first bird. I won't be getting a bird for a few years, but I would LOVE to learn as much as I can while I can't have one, so I am well prepared and can develop a great relationship with my bird!)

[liz]

That's like taking a course in care and feeding of babies before you even get married.
GOOD MOVE.

[Shelby]

Well, I want a bird so bad, but it's very impossible right now. So to satisfy my cravings I'm reading as much as I can!

[emgee]

Shelby

Where I got my lovebirds from they had lots of different varieties. They said the ones I got, the Fischer ones were the quietest. I think I've read that somewhere as well. I've had them two weeks now and they're no where near as shrill as my budgie! I love the chirruping sound they make, it's a really happy sound =) They're also the smallest lovebird I think, well they looked it to me and they're shorter but plumper than my budgie.
I must start naming them all!!!

=) hope you get your bird soon

miriam

[Shelby]

Thanks for the info! I knew that Fischer's were smaller and plumper than the other varieties, but I didn't know they were generally quieter too! (Hmmm, I think I want a Fischer's now!) I really love their plumage, too.

I won't be getting a bird for about 5 years. I'm going to college next year and no pets are allowed in the dorms - even birds and fish are not allowed! But I want one so bad, I figure the next best thing is to read all about them.

[CinnamonParrots]

Reading all about them may make you want them more

I have a fisher's x black masked lovebird who's 9. and I've also had 2 lutino peach faced lovebirds. the most common lovebirds you'll find in captivity is going to be peach-faced lovebirds and their 23904820938409 various amounts of mutations!!!! Which given different names -- keep in mind are all still PEACH FACED LOVEBIRDS!!! Lol.

And then there's the "white-eye ring" group of lovebirds which are black masked and fishers which also come in a variety of diluted, to white, to blue, indigo, grey mutations etc. And based on some readings, the major difference between the 2 groups of the most commonly kept lovebirds is with regards to their ecology and thus influence their behaviour as well as their diet.

fisher's lovebirds for example are more related to hanging parrots or I think even fig parrots more so than their peach-faced cousins because they occupy different niches in the wild, and thus vary in diet. I believe these guys eat more veggies and fruit compared to peach-faced lovebirds. And as for noise level, I've never noticed a difference, other than 2 lovebirds are always louder than 1!!!! But their chirps are quite similar in sound and volume in my opinion...but after 9 years of living with a lovebird, I may have become more habituated Lol.

Physical difference asides from colour is that I find the birds in the "white eye ring" group are slightly smaller than peach-faced lovebirds. But if you receive a well socialized lovebird down the road from a reputable breeder, any lovebird will be a joy to have!!!

There is also other much more rare species of lovebirds that you may not come across, and their personalities are much less known, and only 1 specie of lovebird is native to Madagascar.

[Shelby]

Thank you for your comments! I have found that the more I read and the more videos I see, the more appealing lovebirds are to me! So many myths about them (they are nippy, aggressive, hard to train and tame, don't like other birds, etc.) have been debunked by reading the positive experiences of good owners/trainers. I am convinced that an aggressive and untamed lovebird (or any parrot, for that matter) is one that is not properly cared for and socialized.
Hopefully in a few years I'll have my own little friend to love!

[Lovebird Lady]

Hi, I currently have two male Lutino Peach-Faced Lovebirds of different ages (six and 3 years old). Prior to them, I had a male Pied Peach-Faced Lovebird from age 9 weeks to 11 yrs, before he passed away from liver disease.
I have read and experienced first hand that male lovebirds of the Peach-Faced species (compared to Masked or Fisher Lovebirds), tend to be more loving and affectionate than the females. They are also known to be louder and more physically active, like acrobats. Although females are not necessarily more aggressive, they appear to be more aloof/indifferent towards human contact.

With my male Lovebirds, I have found them to resemble the Caique in that they have that same inquisitive and acrobatic nature, often crawling into your sleeves and under your shirt in a playful manner. When I reach into my Lovebird's cage to get them to step up, the sneaky little buggers will mischievously by-pass the step-up on my finger and scurry below my palm and into my sleeve, crawling up towards my armpit in a playful manner. Although Lovebirds tend to have a hyperactive and impulsive play style, there is also down time where they will settle on your shoulder and nuzzle close to your ear, giving little kisses in your ear or preeneing your hair.
The significant difference that seems to ensure a bonded bird, is if the bird is obtained at an early age, at around eight weeks of age, when the black markings onthe beak is still visible, and of course, ongoing socializing and handling on your part is required to maintain this loving relationship for years to come.

[wafic]

I have a fishers' lovebird but he is very loud lol