Lovebirds are wonderful little pets to have, and are capable of being affectionate additions to your household. When you decide to go shopping for lovebirds, though, it helps to have an idea of what sort of bird you want, as there are several species of lovebird to choose from, each with different characteristics. Masked lovebirds, for example, are one of the most popular species and will make beautiful pets. If you?ve never seen masked lovebirds, then you?re in for a treat with them.

Appearance

Masked lovebirds have very beautiful colors, with several different colors of feathers on their bodies. The lower bodies of masked lovebirds are green, and as you get closer to their necks, you will see a ring of yellow feathers, like a collar. Their heads are black in color, though they have a distinctive white ring around their eyes. This white ring is a characteristic that masked lovebirds share with three other lovebird species: the Nyasa lovebird, Fischer?s lovebird, and the black-cheeked lovebird.

Temperament

Like their relatives, the peach-faced lovebirds, masked lovebirds make good companions with people. Though these birds will form loving bonds with their human owner, lovebirds who are put in a cage with a second lovebird will tend to prefer the company of the other bird to a person. These little birds love to play, so it?s best to give them a large cage with several toys to enjoy, such as a seed ball or some swings. Mirrors also make fun toys for masked lovebirds, who will enjoy looking at the reflection.

Breeding

There are a few things about masked lovebirds that must be known before breeding. First, males and females cannot be differentiated by looking at them. Instead, a veterinarian must either run a DNA test, taken from blood or a few plucked feathers, or must perform an endoscopy procedure to determine if the bird is a male or a female. Masked lovebirds are also capable of being bred with the other three so-called eye-ring species previously mentioned, though most breeders advise against this, as the most beautiful plumage comes from masked lovebirds with pure blood. Despite these few issues with breeding these birds, they are still willing to breed, making them an excellent species for beginning breeders to choose.

As can be seen, with a beautiful appearance, friendly mannerisms, and a willingness to breed, masked lovebirds make a great choice, whatever the reason that you?re wanting a lovebird. Because of their popularity, they should be readily available for purchase, so if you?re looking for a personable little pet, go and get one of these today!

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