Brown-necked Parrot

The Brown-necked Parrot, scientifically known as Poicephalus fuscicollis, is a robust bird, the largest of its genus. It boasts a stocky build, a sizeable head, and a prominent bill. The plumage is a delightful blend of yellow-green on the upperparts and greenish hues below, with a light grey head that distinguishes it from its relatives.

Identification Tips

To identify the Brown-necked Parrot, look for its large head and bill, which are quite pronounced compared to other parrots. The subspecies P. f. fuscicollis is noted for a subtle bluer sheen in its plumage, while P. f. suahelicus, also known as the Grey-headed Parrot, has a more uniformly grey head.

Habitat

This species is endemic to Africa, where it can be found in a variety of habitats. The savanna-dwelling P. f. fuscicollis prefers the open grasslands, while the Grey-headed Parrot subspecies is more commonly found in the southern reaches of the continent.

Distribution

The Brown-necked Parrot is distributed across West Africa, with subspecies fuscicollis inhabiting areas from Gambia and southern Senegal to Ghana and Togo. The Grey-headed Parrot, or P. f. suahelicus, ranges from southern Congo and Tanzania to northern Namibia and northern South Africa.

Similar Species

The Brown-necked Parrot was once considered a subspecies of the Cape Parrot but has since been recognized as a distinct species. It can be differentiated from the Cape Parrot by its head coloration, bill shape, and size, as well as preferred habitat.

Conservation status

The IUCN Red List classifies the Brown-necked Parrot as Least Concern, suggesting that, at present, the species does not face an immediate threat of extinction.