Reproductive Behaviour in Agapornis roseicollis

Agapornis roseicollis commonly known worldwide as rosy-faced or peach-faced African lovebird has got much recognition as a pet in recent years. When the African continent was explored, the western world also made acquaintance with lovebirds. The first variety to be scientifically described in 1788 was Agapornis pullarius and the last was a subspecies of Agapornis roseicollis, Agapornis roseicollis catumbella, which was scientifically registered as late as 1955. In the ongoing research, a study was conducted on a colony of lovebirds to understand the reproductive behaviour during the breeding season under captivity. All the birds under study were of an average age of 12-14 months. All the essential external factors like photoperiod, food availability, temperature, humidity etc. which could affect the reproductive behaviour were maintained. The birds were closely monitored, and remarkable behavioural changes were observed with respect to feeding, nesting, territorial behaviour and mating rituals. This paper is important as good knowledge of reproductive behaviour may be of paramount significance to understanding the factors affecting reproductive success and developing a conservation management plan if the species gets threatened or endangered in the near future.