An African grey parrot is a medium-sized parrot with pale grey plumage, a red tail, and a black or ivory-toned beak. They are known for their intelligence and ability to mimic sounds, and have a lifespan of 30+ years in captivity. Their diet in the wild consists of fruits, nuts, and seeds, and they are native to the rainforests of equatorial Africa.
Physical appearance
Plumage: Mostly pale to medium grey, with lighter grey or white on the head and neck edges.
Tail: A bright, striking red tail (Congo) or a dark maroon tail with an ivory-toned upper beak (Timneh).
Beak: Black in Congo African greys, and ivory-toned in Timneh African greys.
Eyes: Dark grey or black in juveniles, changing to yellow in adults.
Size: Approximately 13 inches (33 cm) long with a wingspan of 18-20 inches.
Behavior and intelligence
Intelligence: Considered one of the most intelligent birds, capable of vocal mimicry and demonstrating an ability to understand colors, numbers, and shapes.
Vocalization: They are very vocal, with a wide range of whistles, screams, and calls, and are famous for mimicking sounds.
Social behavior: Form monogamous pair bonds in the wild and can be found in large communal roosts. In captivity, they are highly social and sensitive, requiring significant attention.
Diet
Natural diet: Primarily herbivores, they eat fruits, nuts, seeds, and berries, especially oil palm fruit. They also eat tree bark, flowers, and insects.
Captive diet: A balanced diet should include a high-quality pellet base, fresh vegetables, and a variety of fruits, avoiding too many sunflower seeds.
Habitat and range
Habitat: Lowland rainforests, cultivated areas, and savannas.
Range: Native to the forest belt of central and West Africa.
Lifespan and care
Lifespan: Can live for 30-80 years in captivity.
Care: Requires a lot of mental stimulation, social interaction, and a large cage with toys to prevent boredom and distress, which can lead to feather plucking.
