Species name: Agapornis cana cana
Appearance:   Both sexes have a green body that is lighter on the underpart, black coverts, and a green tail. The beak and legs are gray. The male has light gray head, neck, and breast area.

 

Origin: Island of Madagascar off the southeast coast of mainland Africa. They inhabit the coastal plains and inland foothills. Sometimes seen in desert areas.

 

Diet: Grass seeds on the ground; raid agricultural crops.

 

Sexual dimorphism: Males have a gray head, neck, and breast. Females lack this gray coloring, making it easy to distinguish between the sexes.

 

Breeding: Nest in hollows of trees. Nesting material is carried by the hen tucked among her feathers. Generally lay three to five eggs; incubation lasts for 23 days; young fledge in about 44 days.

 

Madagascar lovebirds are considered to be the most primitive of the genus, having been isolated on the island of Madagascar. One major difference is the size of the beak, which is much smaller proportionally than it is in other lovebirds species. They are shy birds in the wild and in captivity. They can be very difficult to breed, which has made it hard to establish them in aviculture. Some breeders have found that offering more than one nest box can encourage breeding. These birds are not seen in the pet trade.