Quick Take
- A few common kitchen staples are capable of killing a lovebird, even in small amounts. See the dangerous foods →
- Wild lovebirds eat something most people would never expect from a small parrot. Explore the wild diet →
- The diet that keeps a wild lovebird thriving can actually harm a pet one. See what pet lovebirds need →
Lovebirds are small, highly social parrots of the genus Agapornis, known for their vibrant plumage, chunky builds, and their monogamous nature. There are nine recognized species, predominantly native to the African continent, with one species, the Madagascar lovebird (A. canus), endemic to Madagascar. While captive lovebirds have specialized diets, wild lovebirds are opportunistic foragers that feed mostly on plants and occasionally on insects. Continue reading to discover everything you need to know about what lovebirds eat.
What Do Lovebirds Eat?
In the wild, these colorful birds are generally herbivores, but some species are known to include insects in their diets.
Lovebirds can eat dozens of different foods in the wild, and their specific diet depends largely on their habitat. Most lovebirds live in sub-Saharan Africa, in areas such as forests, grasslands, and savannas. Various species can be found in Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, South Africa, Namibia, and Ethiopia, where they eat seeds, fruits, berries, vegetation, and grains.
Lovebirds are usually herbivores that eat seeds, nuts, fruits, berries, and flower buds.
©irakite/Shutterstock.com
The type of seeds will depend on the region, but lovebirds often eat between four and 10 different varieties of seeds every day. A tablespoon of seeds per day is typical. Fruit also plays an important role in the lovebird’s diet.
In the wild, lovebirds eat around a tablespoon of seeds a day, with fruits to supplement.
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A captive lovebird’s diet should contain pellets and fresh vegetables, supplemented with limited amounts of fruits and seeds. Pet lovebirds are not typically as active as wild lovebirds and therefore require a lower-fat diet.
Here is a list of foods that lovebirds eat in the wild and captivity:
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Fruits (such as grapes, pears, bananas, mangoes, kiwis)
- Berries
- Vegetables (such as peas, squash, bell peppers, kale)
- Pellets
- Insects
Although the list is brief, lovebirds can eat hundreds, if not thousands, of different foods in their natural habitats.
Which Lovebirds Can Be Kept as Pets?
Of the nine total species of lovebird, the most commonly kept pet species are the Fischer’s lovebird (Agapornis fischeri), black-masked lovebird (A. personatus), and the peach-faced lovebird (A. roseicollis). Although some other species are kept domestically, the remaining six species are considered to be either too difficult or too rare to be kept as pets.
What Should I Feed a Pet Lovebird?
Feeding pet lovebirds a healthful diet is essential for proper molting, successful breeding, good temperament, and a long life. While a common belief is that seeds are all a lovebird needs, that’s actually not true. Although seeds make up a substantial portion of a wild lovebird’s daily intake, depending on seasonal availability, pet lovebirds are simply not active enough to burn the high fat and calorie content that seeds provide.
In captivity, lovebirds can eat pellets, most fruits, seeds, nuts, and vegetables.
©Huy Thoai/Shutterstock.com
The easiest way to ensure your parrot receives all the necessary nutrients is by providing specifically formulated, commercially produced pellets. Pellets are small and nutritious, and contain the necessary ingredients for a healthful diet for your bird. These pellets are available at pet stores and online retailers.
Fruits and vegetables can be added sparingly to their diet as treats. Some of the most common fruits that pet owners feed their birds are bananas, citrus, berries, mangoes, kiwis, grapes, plums, pears, and watermelon. Almost all fruits are safe for lovebirds to consume, although poisonous seeds, such as those found in apples, should be removed. With vegetables, care should be taken to avoid any that contain toxic compounds, such as raw potatoes.
Whole grains such as flax, oats, quinoa, and barley are suitable as long as they are unprocessed.
A water dish is a must, as lovebirds drink up to 5% of their weight in water each day.
What Foods Should Pet Lovebirds Avoid?
Cheap, fatty foods are unhealthy for your lovebird for the same reasons they are unhealthy for humans. Anything too salty or processed can cause health issues and a potentially shorter lifespan.
Even in small amounts, avocado, lime, rhubarb, and navy beans can harm or kill your bird.
