Lovebirds insectivores

[htop]

I didn't quite know under which topic to post this. I just read in BirdTalk Magazine (May 2011, p. 26 ) the following: "They (peach-faced lovebirds) have not been observed to feed on insects although they are likely to be included in the diet, indirectly, if not directly." I have a closeup photo of Ike, my lovebird, about to eat a fruit fly. I observed him eating a lot of them. I wonder where I could send this photo as scientific proof that lovebirds are indeed insectivores or would this information be irrelevant?

[Nevermore]

Irrelevant.

Your lovebird is not in its natural setting. You need to spot lovebirds in the wild (on multiple occasions. One will not work), catching and eating insects as a regular part of its diet. Not because the bugs are 'just there' but actively pursuing, and maybe even feeding the insects to its young.

Sorry, but your picture of a domestic lovebird snapping at some fruit flies is not scientific proof of anything but the fact that your lovebird ate a fruit fly.

[htop]

Ike is actively pursuing the fruit fly in the photo during his time outside of his cage. He flew to the wall right below where the ceiling meets it and is actually clinging to the small wall texture beads as though he is attached by Velcro. He is stretching his neck out with his mouth open mouth and his tongue out with the fly about to be caught. He had been after the fruit flies for quite sometime chasing them around the room. He is now after some larger flies. However, I do see your point. I wish I could post the photo just for fun. Oh! I can post the photo! It was taken using a telephoto setting. Thank you for your response.

[TheNzJessie]

a lot of birds eat insects as part of there diet, they forage and will eat what ever is 'ediable' in there mind. turkeys eat slaters i know that for sure! i mean how if you really want to follow a natural diet with you;re birds (which is near impossible) im captivity, how many birds would come across, a banana tree a water melon a pineapple a bowl of mixed seeds and multiple other fruits in 1 day? of course they wouldn't they would be lucky to two find 2 different large food sources which makes them eat what they find. insects being one of them for a large majority of birds, love birds are form africa i wouldn't be at all surprised if they were insectivores picking off all the ticks, bugs etc from mammals would benefit them greatly in nutrients and moisture during summer. they are also small and light so would be unnoticed on the back of a mammal


THIS IS JUST MY OPINION!

[Nevermore]

Ya, I wouldn't be surprised if they did eat insects too. But for proving it in a scientific field, you need undeniable proof of a WILD lovebird eating an insect. And doing so regularly, not simply because it thought "They! Look! It moves and its bite-sized!"

Very cute pictures though : P

[htop]

Lovebirds in all probability do eat insects in the wild; however, it hasn't been documented according to the magazine. It probably has just been too difficult to observe/photograph. When observing Ike when I took this photo, I didn't know what on earth he was doing. He kept hovering almost like a hummingbird up by the ceiling and flitting back and forth. He would keep trying to hold on to the wall. When he attached himself to the wall and stretched his neck, I took the photo. Only after downloading the photo did I see the fly although I had seen him chasing a few around and eating them before. Thank you for both your comments.

[Mona]

Love these photos! Thanks!

[htop]

Thanks! Its difficult with my el cheapo camera to catch him on the fly ... he's to quick for me usually.

[anna83]

Thanks for such an interesting topic, I didnt realise they ate insects. My lovebird squeals if an insect goes near her cage!

[htop]

You're welcome. I didn't realize that they ate insects either until Ike started going after them. Both times that small chameleon lizards traveled into my bedroom where Ike has free time, Ike appeared to want to go after them too. The lizards were transported in on a lemon and/or lime tree that I had brought in during freezing weather. I quickly caught them and placed them back outside so I don't know if he would have attacked the lizards out of fear nor if he would have tried to eat them.