How Big Do Black Mask Lovebirds Grow?

Black-masked lovebirds (Agapornis personata) are small pet avians that hail all the way from Africa -- specifically both Tanzania and Ethiopia. They are part of the "lovebird" category due to their highly companionable, tight-knit and loving mating relationships. Other common monikers for black-masked lovebirds include "yellow-collared lovebird," "black-headed lovebird," "black-faced lovebird" and "masked lovebird."

  1. Basics

    • As common pet birds, black-masked lovebirds are generally lively and inquisitive in temperament. Their feathers are, for the most part, green, although they possess conspicuous blackish-brown heads -- hence their naming. Their plumage typically features other colorful elements, including orange and yellow. Captive members of the species often exist in different color mutations, however. Black-masked lovebirds have deep brown eyes, gray limbs and red bills. Although they aren't big on talking, tricks are occasionally part of their repertoires. They aren't particularly loud birds, although they do once in a while give off high-pitched and piercing chirruping sounds.

    Size

    • As black-masked lovebirds are wee creatures, they generally only grow to around a maximum of 6 inches in length. In most situations, the males are smaller than the females, although not by much. At full maturity, black-masked lovebirds usually weigh anywhere between 1.5 and 1.75 ounces. Although they have smallish and compact overall bodies, they are usually rather robust and sturdy, as well.

    Captive Diet

    • The specific captive diet of a black-masked lovebird may have an effect on the animal's ultimate body size. These birds do well on diets that are centered around commercial pellets, but solely those that are made specifically with their species' needs in mind. If you have any questions regarding which commercial pellet formulas may be healthy and beneficial for your black-masked lovebird, speak to an avian veterinarian immediately. Occasional seeds are acceptable, but only in extremely tiny portions. Fresh produce also makes a good element to their diets, but again, only in tiny and controlled amounts. Some appropriate fruits and veggies for these creatures are kale, grapes, apples, berries and melons. Always seek the expert knowledge of a vet when putting together your beloved cutie's menu.

    Wild Diet

    • In wild environments, black-masked lovebirds grow to similar sizes as their captive buddies. Freely roaming black-masked lovebirds mostly consume sustenance such as grasses from both herbs and seeds. They also occasionally dine on bark from trees, as well as on tiny bugs.