Gross Morphological Studies on the Lungs and Air Sacs System in the Rosy-Faced Lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis)

The aim of this study were to describe the morphology of the lungs and air sac system in the Rosy-faced Lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis) and to provide useful information and data for future veterinary care and treatment of respiratory system diseases in these birds. The research was conducted on five birds, two males and three females, aged from three to six years. To obtain the casts of their lungs and air sacs, we applied the corrosion cast technique, where we used the 26% solution of Vinylite mass. The casts show that Rosy-faced (Agapornis roseicollis) parrots have nine air sacs, one unpaired saccus clavicularis, and four paired the saccus cervicalis, saccus thoracicus cranialis, saccus thoracicus caudalis, and saccus abdominalis. The anatomy of these structures was very similar to other bird species however, some specific characteristics and features related to the arrangement and connection between the clavicular and cranial thoracic air sacs were noted. Also, in the present paper we described all similarities and differences compared to previously published literature and this information can be valuable for veterinary practitioners and scientists.