What 'species' or mix is my lovebird?

[Carl]

I have two lovebirds, but I am wondering exactly the type one of them is. I've been given by numerous sources conflicting information as to what type it is. Here's a picture. (http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/706/img3248t.jpg) I've been told it's a blackcheek, a fischer's - masked mix, and a black peach faced - ficsher's mix. Can anyone clear this up for me?

[thebubbleking]

i would guess a black maked ficher mix.. if you look at my hen boo she is a ficher peachfaced mix you can see some similaritys but theres a few differences also

[personatus]

Black cheeked.

[linda040899]

I agree with Personatus. It's not a mix at all, but rather, a Black Cheeked Lovebird.

[thebubbleking]

id go with the experts :) either way a pretty bird!

[Carl]

You guys sure? Cause it looks to me an awful lot like a fischer - masked mix and I remember buying him at the pet store for around $50 even though black cheeks are supposed to be pretty rare so I'd assume he would have been a lot more expensive.

[love4birds]

I agree that he's a black-cheeked. Looks just like my Rigby.

Does he have any blue at all on his rump? That is a sign of hybrids black-cheekeds.

[linda040899]

The only sign of hybridization in this particular lovebird would be visible on the rump feathering. Black Cheeks have green rump feathers that match the color of the feathering down the back.

This lovebird shows the varigated red beak, which is classic to Black Cheeks that are not in breeding condition. He also has the round orange/salmon colored patch in the front, which is also classic Black Cheeked.

If you got him at a pet shop, I would say there's a very good chance that they just didn't know what they had and someone sold him to the shop simply because they either needed money or couldn't keep him any more.

[Carl]

I see. Thanks for the information.

[linda040899]

No problem! He's a lucky lovie to have found a good home with you!

[love4birds]

This lovebird shows the varigated red beak, which is classic to Black Cheeks that are not in breeding condition.

So the beak coloring in birds in breeding condition is different than those that are not? Interesting, I hadn't heard that before! I've only found very basic info on Black Cheeks. They are cute little guys, anyway.