Roosting requirements and behaviour of the Black-cheeked LovebirdAgapornis nigrigenis(Sclater 1906) in Zambia

Abstract

Roost-site characteristics of the Black-cheeked Lovebird Agapornis nigrigenis (Sclater 1906) were investigated in their natural habitat. Thirty-five roosting cavities were identified in four locations. The lovebirds roosted inside naturally formed cavities in live Mopane trees in localities that were used for nesting during the breeding season. Roost site location remained stable throughout the observation-period of 11 months, and long-term fidelity to these sites is suspected. Roost cavities had a loosely clumped distribution, with a mean of two birds per cavity and eight to 26 lovebirds roosting in the same locality. Roosting habits appear to be an extension of the lovebird's intrinsically social nature. Lovebirds entered cavities briefly before sunset and vacated them around sunrise. All roostsites were situated in Mopane woodland, 4.5 km from human habitation on average. Height from ground averaged 8.25 m, tree circumference 1.64 m, and distance to nearest tree 6 m. Flocks were larger in the non-breeding than in the breeding season, and spent longer roosting during winter. Roosting sites did not appear to be in limited supply.