Nature’s Ornaments: A vibrant flock of Fischer’s Lovebirds huddling in a Serengeti acacia tree.
Lights on a Christmas Tree?
At first glance, you might think someone decorated the savanna. In reality, these are Fischer’s Lovebirds (Agapornis fischeri) perched in an acacia tree. These tiny, neon-colored parrots are ablaze with color: starting with a vibrant green at the base, transitioning to a sunny yellow neck, and topping off with a brilliant orange head.
The Meaning of Agapornis
Their scientific family name, Agapornis, is a beautiful combination of two Greek words: agape (meaning “love”) and ornis (meaning “bird”). They are, quite literally, “lovebirds.”
Named after a German explorer, Fischer’s Lovebirds are native to the regions surrounding Lake Victoria in East Africa. I captured this image of a settled flock in the heart of the central Serengeti. Though it was shot from the back of a bouncing safari jeep—making the image a little “noisy”—the brilliance of their feathers still shines through!
Protecting the “Love” in the Wild
Due to dwindling population numbers in recent decades, Tanzania has enacted strict laws prohibiting the export of wild-captured lovebirds for the pet trade. This conservation effort is a vital step in ensuring these birds remain a staple of the African landscape. After all, they are much more lovely in the wild, don't you think?