A
lovebird is one of nine species of the
genus Agapornis (
Greek: αγάπη
agape 'love'; όρνις
ornis 'bird'). They are a social and affectionate small
parrot. Eight species are native to the African continent, and the grey-headed lovebird is native to Madagascar. Their name stems from the parrots' strong,
monogamous pair bonding and the long periods which paired birds spend sitting together. Lovebirds live in small flocks and eat fruit, vegetables, grasses and seed.
Black-winged lovebirds also eat
insects and figs, and the
black-collared lovebirds have a special dietary requirement for native figs, making them problematic to keep in captivity.