Nesting Behavior:
1. Nest Building: Lovebirds typically build their nests in tree cavities or sheltered locations. They use a variety of materials such as twigs, leaves, and soft fibers to construct a cup-shaped nest.
2. Egg Laying: Once the nest is ready, the female lovebird will lay a clutch of eggs. The average clutch size for lovebirds ranges from 4 to 6 eggs.
Egg Incubation:
1. Brooding: After the eggs are laid, the female lovebird takes primary responsibility for incubating the eggs. She sits on the eggs continuously to provide warmth and maintain a consistent temperature for proper development.
2. Shared Incubation: In some lovebird species, the male may also participate in incubation, taking turns with the female to ensure that the eggs are kept warm. However, the female typically spends more time brooding than the male.
3. Incubation Period: The incubation period for lovebird eggs varies depending on the species but generally lasts around 21 to 23 days. During this period, the female remains dedicated to the nest, leaving only briefly to feed herself.
Hatching:
1. Assisted Hatching: As the hatching time approaches, the female lovebird may assist the chicks in breaking out of their shells. She gently nibbles at the eggs to weaken the shell, making it easier for the chicks to emerge.
2. Caring for Hatchlings: Once the chicks hatch, both the male and female lovebirds take turns providing care and feeding them. They regurgitate food and feed the chicks in the nest until they are fledglings and ready to leave the nest.
So, in answer to your question, yes, lovebirds do sit on their eggs to hatch them. Both male and female lovebirds play essential roles in nesting, incubation, and caring for their offspring. Their strong pair bonds and parental instincts contribute to the successful hatching and raising of their lovebird chicks.