Birdsong field guide
Gray-headed Lovebird
Agapornis canus
The Gray-headed Lovebird is a small, sexually dimorphic parrot and the only member of the genus Agapornis native to the island of Madagascar.
What it sounds like
High-pitched, metallic 'shriek' and rapid, twittering notes often delivered in flight.
Reference call, compare with what you heard
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Field notes
- It is the smallest species within the lovebird genus, measuring only about 13 centimeters in length.
- The species displays clear sexual dimorphism; males feature a pale gray head, neck, and upper breast, while females are entirely green.
- Unlike many of its mainland African relatives, this species is notably shy and easily startled by human presence.
- They are the only lovebirds that do not inhabit the African mainland, though they have been introduced to several surrounding islands.
- During the breeding season, they carry nesting material, such as leaf fragments, tucked into their feathers rather than in their beaks.
Habitat
Open forests, scrubland, and agricultural areas, typically found at lower elevations near sea level.
Range
Endemic to Madagascar; introduced populations exist on Mauritius, Comoros, and the Seychelles.
Similar & commonly confused birds
Black-cheeked LovebirdAgapornis nigrigenisBlack-collared LovebirdAgapornis swindernianusBlack-winged LovebirdAgapornis tarantaFischer's LovebirdAgapornis fischeriLilian's LovebirdAgapornis lilianaeRed-headed LovebirdAgapornis pullariusRosy-faced LovebirdAgapornis roseicollisYellow-collared LovebirdAgapornis personatus
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