Today’s photo of the black-cheeked lovebirds was taken in the Etosha house of Basel Zoo. The bird is native to south-western Zambia. The species is listed as vulnerable because its small population is undergoing a continuing decline, owing to the gradual desiccation of water bodies within the highly localized range.
The name ‘lovebird’ comes from the parrots’ strong, monogamous pair bonding and the long periods which paired birds spend sitting together.
The black-cheeked lovebirds mainly eat grass seeds, especially jungle rice (Echinochloa colona). The rest of its diet is largely made up of leaves and flowers.