Sunday, September 21, 2008

GM Aviaries - Lovebirds!


Olive Opaline Peachface

We began our avicultural hobby in Lovebirds and would currently have one of the biggest collections in Australia. They are a very social and affectionate parrot and have the potential to make great pets for those who are looking to form a long-term relationship with their bird.

Lovebird Babies Waiting for Dinner

We keep the four varieties which are currently available in Australia being Peachface, Masked, Fischer's & Nyasa and only breed birds within the same species so as to rule out any possibility of hybrids. All of our Lovebirds are provided with the same feeding plan as our Cockatiels and are also available as handraised pets.

We have now added Opaline & Orangeface to our selection of Peachface mutations and will be focusing on breeding these two mutations together. We have also begun our breeding program for our Violet Peachfaces.

Breeding Pair of Normal Opaline Peachfaces Orangeface Peachface

Breeding Pair of Normal Opaline Peachfaces

Violet Peachface

Violet Peachface

Peachface Lovebirds

Coloration can vary widely among populations but females are generally darker and greener, whilst males are smaller and brighter.

American Whiteface Cinnamon Peachface Australian Cinnamon Opaline Peachface Blue Opaline & Split Peachface

American Whiteface Cinnamon Peachface Australian Cinnamon Opaline Peachface Blue Opaline & Split Peachface Pair

Lutino Peachface Slate Opaline Peachface Orangeface Peachface Babies

Lutino Peachface Slate Opaline Peachface Pair Orangeface Peachface Babies

Olive Orangeface Peachface with Violet Rump Closeup of Violet Rump on an Olive Orangeface Peachface Olive Orangeface Peachface Colouring Up

Olive Orangeface Peachface with Violet Rump Closeup of Violet Rump Olive Orangeface Peachface Colouring Up

Cinnamon Orangeface Peachface Cinnamon Orangeface Peachface Orangeface Peachface

Cinnamon Orangeface Peachface Cinnamon Orangeface Peachface Orangeface Peachface

Mauve Opaline Peachface Opaline Peachface with Unusual Markings Group of Young Opaline Peachfaces

Mauve Opaline Peachface Opaline Peachface with Unusual Markings Group of Young Opaline Peachfaces

Masked Lovebirds

There are two categories of masked lovebirds, the black-masked and the blue-masked (often called cobalt). The head of the black-masked is a dark sooty black with a bright red beak. The wings are a dark green with a lighter underside. The breast and the nape of the neck are yellowish, and the flight feathers are black. Masked lovebirds are known for the large white rings around each of its eyes

(which give it the appearance of wearing a mask).

Masked Lovebird with Unusual Markings??

Group of Masked Lovebirds Violet Cobalt Masked Lovebirds

Group of Masked Lovebirds Violet Cobalt Masked Lovebirds

Fischer's Lovebirds

Fischer's lovebirds have green backs, chests and wings. Their necks are a golden yellow and as it progresses upward it becomes darker orange. The top of the head is olive green, and the beak is bright red. The upper surface of the tail has some purple or blue feathers. Young birds are very similar to the adults, except for the fact that they are duller and the base of their mandible has brown markings.

Group of Fischer's Lovebirds Group of Yellowface Fischer's Lovebirds

Group of Fischer's Lovebirds Group of Yellowface Fischer's Lovebirds

Group of Lutino Fischer's Lovebirds The Back of a White Fischer's Lovebird

Group of Lutino Fischer's Lovebirds The Back of a White Fischer's Lovebird

Young Violet Spangle Fischer's Lovebird Extended Wing View of Young Violet Spangle Fischer's Lovebird

Young Violet Spangle Fischer's Lovebird Extended Wing View

Nyasa Lovebirds

The nyasa lovebird can be often mistaken for the fischer's variety but are smaller in size and lack the olive-green hood and the blue lower-back of the fischers.

Group of Nyasa Lovebirds

Group of Nyasa Lovebirds

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