Largest lovebird

The largest species of lovebird is the Abyssinian or black-winged lovebird Agapornis taranta, which can attain a total length of up to approximately 16.5 cm. Predominantly green but with a striking red forehead in the male, it is native to Ethiopia and Eritrea, but unlike some other lovebirds it is not commonly maintained as a pet.

Nine species of lovebird are currently recognized, eight of which are native to the African mainland, with the ninth occurring only on the island of Madagascar. However, escapee pet specimens of various species have also established themselves in the US cities of San Diego (California), Austin (Texas), and Phoenix (Arizona). They earn their common name from their strong, monogamous pair bonding and the long periods during which paired birds will sit together, but they can also be very aggressive, even to other lovebirds.