Customer Reviews

Colored Atlas of Lovebirds

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have a LOT of lovebird books, and so far this one is the very best I have seen yet for color mutations and genetics!!! Very current, in-depth coverage, especially of the Peach-faced Lovebird, with lots of good photos - not the same stock shots we are all used to!! If you have been looking for a great book on lovebird colors and genetics, this is it! Covers other lovebird species to a lesser extent. Also has sections on behavior, breeding & health. (Does not have info for the typical pet owner, such as feeding and taming.)

This book is a must for anyone who is interested in the SCIENCE of professional breeding, especially for unusual color (read: more expensive birds)... it is truly NOT for the casual bird fancier. If you're buying it to better understand, care for and enjoy your pet, you will be disappointed. (Note: This reviewer believes that the breeding of birds should be left to professionals. Breeding birds 'casually' or 'at-home' is not a good practice. Baby birds are more than a lot of work, and there are many things that can go wrong, causing anguish to both owners and birds.)

THIS BOOK HAS GREAT PICTURES AND THE AUTHOR IS VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE AND ATTEMPTS TO EXPLAINS CERTAIN INTERESTING POINTS. HOWEVER, I FOUND IT CONFUSING SOMETIMES AND WITH A LACK OF EXPLANATIONS IN CERTAIN AREAS. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO BEGINNERS (ONLY TO ENJOY THE PICTURES).ALSO, THE NAMES OF SOME OF THE MUTATIONS ARE TOO COLORFUL ... NOT WHAT THE AFRICAN LOVE BIRD SOCIETY USES, THIS IS WHAT IN MY OPINION WOULD CONFUSE A BEGINNER.

It is well a book documented, presenting a scientific part very well studied and deepening well the genetics. The function practices and of description of the species it is very good and we can find details worthy of a great creator of Agapornis. I just criticize the great exhibition of roseicollis mutations, leaving of part many mutations already existent in the nigrigenis, fisheri and lilianae. My congratulations to the author and its work.

Dr. Alessandro D'Angieri, a Brazilian physician with an interest in ornithology, is a researcher at the State University of Campinas's Zoology Department (UNICAMP) who has dedicated his life to the study and preservation of Brazilian and foreign birds. His deep interest in genetic diversity is reflected in this text devoted to the 262 species and 63 genera of the family Psittacidae and subfamily Psittacinae known as Agapornis.

Agapornis form nine distinct forms in the wilds of continental Africa and the coastal region of the island of Madagascar. Dr. D'Angieri includes a map showing the original homeland of these little birds, many of them threatened by the encroachment of humans, who range across an area just South of the Equator. The book also includes hundreds of beautiful photos indicating the identity of these confusing little creatures.

Apparently, the coloring of companion birds here in the States is the result of lots of cross-breeding around the world. I certainly cannot keep it all straight even after perusing Dr D'Angieri's book, let alone know whether a particular type is caused by hybridization, mutation or metabolic disorder. Color in the diet does not appear to affect the color of the birds, although a healthy diet will certainly improve their feather coloration. .

I raise Agapornis otherwise known as Lovebirds and include several Personata and Roseacollis types in my collection. Two of my Personata companions include a pair of Cobalt blue-black masked twins. According to the author, this coloration is not common. Using Dr. D'Angieri's book I have been able to identify the coloration of several other birds, but this is an incredibly complex book so the photographs are very important and if a picture of a particular type does not exist, I cannot identify it at all.

I enjoyed this obviously professional book immensely, even if it includes more material than I can hold in my head, and will use it as a reference. I don't know if I will ever use it to guide the mating of birds to obtain a specific coloration for which it seems designed.

I give this book two thumbs up.If you are a biggner or an advanced breeder this is the best book to buy.

This is by far the best collection of lovebird photographs around, covering a vast array of color mutations. There is a good section on the genetics of these mutations and some excellent advice on breeding, including advice on how to avoid problems of consanguinity. There's a nifty chart to help you identify chicks' colors as early as 4 days of age! Also covers common diseases and typical treatments. A good book for both newcomers and experienced professionals.

I realy love this book, it was just what I was looking for. The only thing negative was the shipping! It was sent flat letter with no bubble wrap, all the corners were bent and indentations in the hard color. The book is great, but the condition I recieved it in was not good. The cover was 20 to 30 % damaged.

This book is becoming slightly dated as new mutations have arisen, and some pics show birds in other than their best plumage. These minor faults aside, the genetic explanations and practical knowledge available to the breederin this book are most useful. And many (if not all) of the pictures are terrific. Other volumes or info on the web are needed for detailed lovebird care, but this book is most useful re: mutations and their selection.

It is such a shame that this well produced book and with a comprehensive and very informative text is completed with such a poor collection of photographs. Lots of big format off focus shots, weird colors... Cannot understand why the author did not pay more attention to this very important thing, the title of the book being 'The Colored Atlas of...'. A REAL pity.