Agapornis canus, often called the "Madagascar lovebird," is a unique and exciting bird species. This tiny bird lives in Madagascar's coastal areas, particularly in the humid forests and savannas that make up its natural habitat.
Its presence in a rich vegetation environment allows Agapornis Canus to adapt well to the island's varying natural conditions.
There is another subspecies known as Agapornis canus ablectaneus. This subspecies shows variations in plumage colouration compared to the original form. The grey head feather colour of the Agapornis canus ablectaneus tends to be more purplish, a unique characteristic of this subspecies.
Agapornis canus ablectaneus is found in the southern part of the island of Madagascar. This region's environmental conditions may differ from the rest of the island, which could have influenced the development of the characteristic purple colouration in the plumage of this subspecies. This specific geographic distribution suggests a unique local adaptation of this bird.
The colour differences in Agapornis canus ablectaneus compared to Agapornis canus provide insight into genetic variation and environmental adaptations among these subspecies. The more dominant purple colouration may have a specific function in social interactions or in sexual selection in their habitat.
Table of Contents
Characteristics of Agapornis canus (Madagascar)
Agapornis canus has an ideal size of 13 to 14 cm, measured from the top of the head to the tip of the tail.
This size indicates balanced proportions, which gives the bird an elegant appearance.
These ideal body
proportions are significant in the bird's overall appearance, ensuring balance and harmony between its various parts.
Head and Neck Agapornis canus (madagascar)
The head of the Agapornis canus has several prominent characteristics. The forehead is rounded from the bill towards the back, creating a smooth and natural impression. The crown is also well-rounded, while the back of the head appears complete, giving it a solid shape. On the neck, a subtle curve can be found that adds to the overall beauty of the head and neck shape, making it appear well-proportioned to the body.
Face and Beak Agapornis canus (madagascar)
The cheeks of the Agapornis canus are full and harmonize with the shape of the head, showing good symmetry. The eyes
are centred with a clear, shining appearance, indicating excellent health. The bill is quite broad at the base, showing
no signs of damage, and is well tucked into the lower jaw.
The tip of the upper jaw should point towards
the chest and fit snugly against the lower jaw, creating a neat and attractive facial profile. The almost invisible
lower jaw also adds a subtle impression to the bird's face.
Body and Wing Structure Agapornis canus (Madagascar)
The chest of the Agapornis canus is well-filled, with elegant rounding that flows naturally with the curve of the wings. The belly follows the chest line harmoniously without sagging, creating a balanced body silhouette. The wings follow the body line and upper tail cover perfectly, ensuring all wing feathers are intact, not dangling or crossed. Broad shoulders add strength and stability to the bird's overall posture.
Feet and Nails Structure Agapornis canus (Madagascar)
The feet of Agapornis canus are short but sturdy, with two toes facing forward and the other two facing
backwards. All toes are intact and grip the perch well, showing strength and balance. The bird's nails are evenly
curved, all the same colour and without damage. Its posture is elegant and stout, forming ideal proportions for its
size.
The plumage is clean, complete, and slightly lustrous, with a wedge-shaped tail that is somewhat rounded
at the top and a rump parallel to the tail. In males, the colour separation on the breast is as tight as
possible to add visual interest.
Standard requirements for Agapornis canus
Technical judging observations:
• The head is relatively small and pointed.
• Strict attention to
the colour separations.
• Black flecks or stripes in the feathering are a fault.
• With males, a yellow glow
is regularly observed in the grey mask. The preference is for smooth grey.
• The two middle tail feathers have a
cross-band.
• The underwing coverts are a different colour in males and females. With mature males, they
are
black and grey-green with females. As this feathering is not visible during judging, it is not
mentioned in the descriptions.
Standard Requirements for Agapornis Canus Male
International term: green
Forehead: pearl grey.
Crown: pearl grey.
Chin: pearl grey.
Throat and upper breast: pearl grey.
Eyes: dark brown with a lighter iris.
Upper mandible: horn colour.
Lower mandible: grey.
Lower breast, flanks, belly, and cloaca region: green
Mantle: a shade darker than the rest of the body.
Primaries: dark grey with a green outer vane.
Rump: slightly darker than the body.
Under tail coverts: green.
Upper tail coverts: same as rump
Tail feathers: at the base, light yellow-green turning into a black cross-band. The points of the tail are green. The two middle tail feathers are green with a black cross-band and a green edge at the end.
Feet: light grey.
Nails: dark grey.
Observations: With the subspecies Agapornis canus abjectness, the pearl grey has a purple dye, and the body colour has a bluish haze. Still, continue to search for the remaining clear grey foundation. We can only talk about the purple light on the mask. In this way, we avoid it by selection. The mask becomes deep purple.
Standard Requirements for Agapornis Canus Female
International term: green
Forehead: green with a light grey haze.
Crown and Cheeks: green with a light grey haze.
Chin: green with a light grey haze.
Throat and upper breast: green.
Eyes: dark brown with a lighter iris ring.
Upper mandible: horn colour.
Lower mandible: grey.
Lower breast, flanks, belly, and cloaca region: green
Mantle: a shade darker than the rest of the body.
Primaries: dark grey with a green outer vane.
Rump: slightly darker than the body.
Under tail coverts: green.
Upper tail coverts: same as rump
Tail feathers: at the base, light yellow-green turning into a black cross-band. The points of the tail are green. The two middle tail feathers are green with a black cross-band and a green edge at the end.
Feet: light grey.
Nails: dark grey.
Observations: With the subspecies Agapornis canus ablectaneus, complete feathers have unmistakable plumage with a bluish mist.