Grey Parrot

The Grey Parrot, also known as the Congo Grey Parrot, Congo African Grey Parrot, or African Grey Parrot, is a medium-sized bird with a charming demeanor. It is predominantly grey with a black bill, and adults typically weigh between 418–526 grams. The species is recognized by its darker head and wings, white-edged feathers, and striking red tail. Juveniles share a similar coloration to adults but have dark grey to black eyes and grey-tinged undertail coverts.

Identification Tips

To identify the Grey Parrot, look for its grey plumage, which is darker on the head and wings. The edges of the head and body feathers have a subtle white border. The tail feathers are a vivid red, which is quite distinctive. Both sexes are similar in appearance, and some individuals may exhibit red pigmentation due to selective breeding.

Habitat

The Grey Parrot is native to the dense forests of equatorial Africa but can also be found in forest edges and open vegetation types such as gallery and savanna forests.

Distribution

This species ranges from Angola to Kenya and the eastern part of the Ivory Coast. However, populations are decreasing globally, with significant declines noted in Ghana.

Behaviour

In the wild, Grey Parrots are somewhat secretive due to their status as prey animals. They are known to imitate a wide variety of sounds, including other bird songs and even bat calls. They are monogamous breeders, nesting in tree cavities, and exhibit strong parental care.

Song & Calls

Wild Grey Parrots have a repertoire of over 200 different calls, including imitations of other wild bird songs.

Breeding

Grey Parrots breed in tree cavities, with each pair requiring their own tree. They lay 3-5 eggs per clutch, which are incubated for about 30 days. The chicks are cared for by the parents until they fledge at around 12 weeks of age.

Similar Species

The Timneh Parrot was once considered a subspecies of the Grey Parrot but is now recognized as a separate species. It can be distinguished by its darker, maroon tail and overall smaller size.

Diet and Feeding

The diet of the Grey Parrot is mainly frugivorous, consisting of fruit, nuts, and seeds. They also consume flowers, tree bark, insects, and snails, and are known to feed on the ground.

Conservation status

The Grey Parrot is classified as Endangered due to habitat loss and extensive capture for the pet trade. Natural predators include palm-nut vultures and raptors, while monkeys prey on eggs and young birds. The international trade of this species is regulated under CITES Appendix I.