Animal-World > Birds > Lovebirds > Blue Masked Lovebird

Blue Masked LovebirdAgapornis p. personata var.

Family: Psittacidae

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Agapornis personataPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy David Brough

     A pretty little parrot, Blue Masked Lovebird makes an adorable pet. It is a most playful, charming and amusing companion...an excellent bird for the beginner!

     The Blue Masked Lovebird is a favorite color variety of the Masked Lovebird. Though easily bred in captivity, this attractive variation also occurs naturally in the wild.

     Friendly and easy to care for, the Blue Masked Lovebird will make a delightful and enjoyable addition to any household. They are relatively hardy and are easy to breed, making them every bit as good a pet as the Peach-faced Lovebird. Some even suggest that they may be a bit calmer, though others say they are just as mischievous.

     Typical of all the lovebirds, the Blue Masked Lovebird is very social and loves companionship. Their natural behavior is to live closely with a companion so are often kept with another lovebird. Though they make a very fine and affectionate pet when hand-raised, they will need a lot of attention if kept singly. Most are kept in pairs to satisfy their considerable need for constant companionship, mutual preening, and socialization.

For more information and the care of Lovebirds see:
Guide to a Happy, Healthy Lovebird

Scientific Name: Agapornis personata personata var.

Description:      The Blue Masked Lovebird is the best known color mutation of the Masked Lovebird, and this variety occurs naturally in the wild as well as in captivity. It is very attractive with a black head, blue body, and a white collar around the neck and on the upper breast.      All the Masked Lovebird mutations have a black 'mask' and their names refer to their body coloring, in this case 'blue'. Other color mutations include the Green Masked Lovebird which is also very common, and other more uncommon varieties such as the medium blue (cobalt) and the dark blue (slate).

Size - Weight:      The Blue Masked Lovebird will get up to about 6" (14.5 - 15. 5 cm) in length.

Care and feeding:      A roomy cage is required as lovebirds are very active. If you have a tame pet that is kept in a small cage, it needs to be let out for extended periods to fly about. Your pet they will enjoy a variety of seeds, fruits, vegetables, and commercial pellets.      See About Lovebirds: Housing and About Lovebirds: Care and Feeding for more information.

Social Behaviors:      A lovebird is a very social bird with it's companion, and it is generally thought to be essential for their good health and happiness that they be kept in pairs rather than singly. They can, however, be aggressive towards other birds in an aviary setting.

Activities:      Loves to fly, climb, and play. Provide lots of room and lots of toys.

Breeding/Reproduction:      The Blue Masked Lovebird is excellent for the beginning breeder. These birds will breed as either single pairs or in colonies, and have the same behaviors as the Masked Lovebird. When you provide them with a nest box be sure to also provide lots of willow twigs, strips of bark, or other nesting materials.      The hen will lay three to four eggs which are incubated for about 21 to 23 days. The young fledge (leave the nest) in about 44 to 45 days. When they become independent, remove the young to their own housing.       See About Lovebirds: Breeding/Reproduction for more information on breeding.

Potential Problems:      This bird has a high pitched twittering and though not as loud as some parrots, it can be rather noisy for parts of the day.      See About Lovebirds: Potential Problems for information on illnesses.

Availability:    The Blue Masked Lovebird is very popular and is readily available.

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Latest Comments
I have 3 lovebirds, two are bluemasked and one red head. They are 8 months old and I'm trying to train them and I do not want to tramatize them. I talk to them and whistle and need help with their training. They have their own room in and out of cage, so they can not get hurt by hitting walls or getting lost upstairs or down until they are trained. Their names are Frick, Frat and Flick kathy 2010-01-28
We have a couple of wild Blue masked love birds that showed up in Happy Jack AZ. We have watched them for a few days now. We unfortunately do not have our camera with us. Does anyone know where they are heading from here? Tammy 2009-08-19
I have a 4 month old blue masked lovie. He is the sweetest thing and then all of a sudden he bites. He loves giving and getting kisses. He also says "kiss me" very clearly. He's always eager to come out of the cage. I'll take him out, and then sit down on the couch and let him walk around. He's fine for about 5 minutes or so and then when my hand/finger approaches him, he gets into defensive mode. This happens even when there's no possible way he can feel 'cornered'. Whenever I try and distract him it doesn't work. He puffs his head up and will then lunge for my finger. When I try and correct nibbling of something he gets mad. I've never hit him or given him any reason to fear my hand. The funny part is, is he loves the face. He will not nibble anymore or anything. Just goes for the lips to give/get kisses. I've been working with him constantly for a month now, and I'm really at the point of no return. I hope someone can help me! -Kris Kristal 2009-05-16
Can any one help me with my purple masked loved bird. I have hand raised it and kept it in a brooders box. It just got away from me and is no where to be seen. He is 5 weeks old and I would like to know how far they could fly away and how are there homing skills, are they good for there first time. Any suggestions on how to get him to come home. This will be his first night out of the brooders box, too. help help help help Mathew Dooling 2008-09-05
I just lost my blue-masked lovebird. His favorite was kissing my 13 year old dog! They were well bonded. The bird often chirped, only in the morning and early afternoon, and in the evening when it wanted attention. Loved to take a bath. I recommend this type of bird, easy to take care of. JULIE WATKINS 2007-01-04
Comments Dr Jungle REALLY Likes to Hear!
nice website you guys got here brandon 2006-02-26

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