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Lovebird, common name for any of several small parrots, commonly
kept as cage birds, that tend to sit close to their mates with heads touching.
Although sometimes applied to other small parrots, the name belongs properly only
to the eight species of a genus found in Africa and Madagascar. These lovebirds
range from 13 to 16.5 cm (5 to 6.5 in) in length, with large heads and very short
tails. Their bodies are green, blue, or yellow with red, yellow, gray, blue, or
black markings on their heads, necks, or tails. Females are larger than males.
Some species tuck straw, grass, and even strips of paper in their tails to carry
back to their nests. They usually lay six eggs to a clutch. Both parents raise
the dependent chicks. Scientific classification: Lovebirds
make up the genus Agapornus of the family Psittacidae, order Psittaciformes.
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