
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Agapornis nigrigenis
A small lovebird with green plumage, a reddish-brown forehead, brownish-black cheeks and an orange band on the throat. Restricted to a very small range in southwestern Zambia, it is nonetheless relatively easy to breed in captivity.
The black-cheeked lovebird (Agapornis nigrigenis) is endemic to a narrow range from southwestern Zambia to the Victoria Falls area. It uses mopane woodland in the dry season and Baikiaea woodland in the rains, and stays close to water because it drinks daily. The IUCN Red List treats it as Vulnerable, with 8,000-11,500 mature individuals estimated. In captivity it is fed small seeds with fruit and vegetables, and the World Parrot Trust recommends a cage or aviary at least 1.2 m long. Breeding is relatively easy, but the species remains uncommon in the trade.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Black-cheeked Lovebird lives About 20 years.
The Black-cheeked Lovebird grows to 13-14cm.
It is 13-14 cm long and weighs about 40 g, with green plumage, a reddish-brown forehead and forecrown, brownish-black cheeks and throat, and an orange band below the throat, plus white eye-rings and a red bill.
Origin
Southwestern Zambia (southern Kafue National Park along the Zambezi valley to Victoria Falls)
Lifespan
About 20 years
Size
13-14cm
Temperature
15〜30℃
Sources: World Parrot Trust Parrot Encyclopedia (size, weight, longevity, housing) / Wikipedia - Black-cheeked lovebird
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Agapornis nigrigenis Sclater, W.L., 1906
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Agapornis nigrigenis. The order Psittaciformes is listed as a whole in CITES Appendix II.
Sources: CITES Appendices (Psittaciformes spp. listed in Appendix II) / IUCN Red List / CITES Species+ Agapornis nigrigenis
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Humidity
40〜60%
Small seeds (canary seed, millet, oats), fruit, vegetables, pellets
The World Parrot Trust recommends a cage or aviary at least 1.2 m long. It enjoys bathing, so keep a bath dish available.
Pair bonds are strong, so keeping a pair is the norm. It favours wooden toys, swings and ladders it can chew.
Shrill, high-pitched chattering in bursts. The voice is loud for the bird's size, so soundproofing matters in flats.
Listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN and still trapped in the wild. When acquiring one, confirm it is captive-bred and that CITES Appendix II import paperwork is in order.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The average lifespan of Black-cheeked Lovebird is About 20 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Black-cheeked Lovebird typically reaches 13-14cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Black-cheeked Lovebird feeds on: Small seeds (canary seed, millet, oats), fruit, vegetables, pellets. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Black-cheeked Lovebird varies significantly depending on variety, age, sex, and the individual animal's condition. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 16, 2026