At about 16.5 cm (6.5 inches) long, it is the largest of the lovebird genus, a group of small parrots.

The natural habitat for a black-winged lovebird is typically from southern Eritrea to southwestern Ethiopia and they normally live in either high plains or mountainous regions.

[4] Sunflower seeds, corn, apples and mission figs are typical of an Abyssinian lovebird diet.

[1] In aviculture the black-winged lovebird has not become well established as a breeding bird, although it can tolerate cold weather.

The specimen was collected in Taranta Pass, Acchele Guzai District, Eritrea in 1809-10 by Henry Salt.