About Agapornis lilianae Shelley, 1894
Agapornis lilianae, commonly known as Lilian's lovebird, measures 13 cm (5 inches) in total length. Its plumage is primarily green, with distinct white eyerings, orange coloring on the head, neck, and upper chest, and a green rump. Males and females have identical external appearance. Lilian's lovebird is frequently confused with the slightly larger Fischer's lovebird, which differs by having an olive-green hood and a blue rump. It is also generally similar in appearance to the rosy-faced lovebird, which has more clearly defined orange coloring and does not have a white eyering. This species is endemic to Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. In 2004, the total wild population of Lilian's lovebird was estimated to be fewer than 20,000 individuals. Currently, the species inhabits Liwonde National Park (LNP), with a small number of clustered groups found in surrounding forests outside LNP. Its distribution is rapidly becoming restricted to Liwonde National Park because feeding and breeding habitat outside the park is being overexploited for agricultural use. While the full extent of habitat loss outside LNP has not been scientifically assessed, the remaining habitat outside the park consists of fragmented Miombo Forest Reserves. Lilian's lovebird feeds on grass seeds, millet, wild rice, flowers, and the seeds and fruit of other plant species.
