Species Profile
Grey Parrot
Psittacus erithacus
Quick Facts
Conservation
ENEndangeredLifespan
40–50 years
Length
33–40 cm
Weight
400–490 g
Wingspan
46–52 cm
Migration
Resident
Also known as: African Grey Parrot, Congo Grey Parrot
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Appearance
The Grey Parrot is predominantly ash-grey, with striking red tail feathers that provide a vibrant contrast. Its plumage has a subtle scalloped pattern created by lighter grey feather edges. The bird has a large, curved black beak and intelligent-looking dark eyes surrounded by a bare white facial area.
Both males and females share identical plumage, making visual sex determination challenging. Juveniles resemble adults but have darker irises and less vibrant tail coloration, which develops fully as they mature.
Identification & Characteristics
Colors
- Primary
- Grey
- Secondary
- Red
- Beak
- Black
- Legs
- Grey
Markings
Bright red tail feathers
Tail: Short and rounded
Attributes
Understanding Attributes
Rated 0–100 based on research and observation. A score of 50 is average across all bird species. These attributes are relative and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Habitat & Distribution
Grey Parrots inhabit primary and secondary rainforests, woodland savannas, mangroves, and cultivated areas in Central and West Africa. Their range extends from Côte d'Ivoire to Kenya and south to northern Angola.
While primarily found in lowland forests, they can occur at elevations up to 2,200 meters. They are non-migratory but may make local movements in response to food availability.
Distribution
Diet
Grey Parrots are primarily frugivorous, favoring palm nuts, papaya, and figs. They also consume seeds, leaves, and occasionally insects. Their strong beaks allow them to crack open hard nuts and seeds, and they often forage in the upper canopy of rainforests.
Behaviour
Grey Parrots are highly social, often seen in pairs or small flocks. They exhibit remarkable intelligence, demonstrating problem-solving skills and tool use in the wild.
These birds are excellent flyers, capable of swift, direct flight between feeding and roosting sites, often covering considerable distances.
Calls & Sounds
Grey Parrots are known for their exceptional vocal abilities. Their natural calls include a variety of squawks, whistles, and mimicked sounds. They produce a distinctive 'kee-ow' contact call and various low-pitched growls and chirps. In captivity, they're renowned for their ability to mimic human speech and environmental sounds with remarkable clarity.
Nesting & Breeding
Grey Parrots form monogamous pairs and breed once annually. The breeding season varies across their range but often coincides with the dry season. They nest in tree cavities, typically 10-30 meters above ground.
Females lay 2-4 white eggs, which both parents incubate for about 30 days. The eggs are oval-shaped and measure approximately 40 x 30 mm.
Chicks fledge after about 80 days but may remain with their parents for several months afterwards, learning essential survival skills.
Conservation
Grey Parrots face severe threats due to habitat loss and the illegal pet trade. Their population has declined dramatically, leading to their classification as Endangered.
Conservation efforts focus on habitat protection, stricter trade regulations, and captive breeding programs to support wild populations.
Population
Estimated: 560,000 - 12,700,000 individuals[3]
Trend: Decreasing[2]
Population declining due to habitat loss and capture for pet trade
Elevation
Up to 2,200 meters
Additional Details
- Egg size:
- Approximately 4cm x 3cm
- Predators:
- Natural predators include large raptors such as crowned eagles and palm-nut vultures. Monkeys and snakes may prey on eggs and nestlings.
- Alarm calls:
- Loud, harsh squawks
- Breeding age:
- 5-6
- Maturity age:
- 3-5
- Feeding times:
- Morning and evening
- Major threats:
- Habitat loss, illegal pet trade
- Parental care:
- In majority of pairs, males feed the females whilst incubating. Once hatched, both parents feed chicks
- Primary calls:
- Varied, known for mimicking human speech and sounds
- Social habits:
- Live in pairs or small groups
- Egg appearance:
- White, elliptical
- Feeding habits:
- Forages in trees and on the ground
- Breeding season:
- Depends on the region, typically during the dry season
- Diet variations:
- Varies with habitat and season
- Fledging period:
- Approximately 12-15 weeks, but will stay with parents for at least 30 more days
- Average lifespan:
- 50
- Call description:
- Wide range of whistles, squawks, and mimicry
- Daily activities:
- Active during the day, resting in the afternoon
- Nesting location:
- Tree cavities
- Number of broods:
- One
- Incubation period:
- Around 30 days
- Nest construction:
- Simple, lined with wood chips
- Migration patterns:
- Local movements related to food availability
- Migratory patterns:
- Not migratory
- Age related changes:
- Changes in plumage brightness and beak coloration
- Prey capture method:
- Uses beak to manipulate and crack open food items
- Conservation efforts:
- Protected status in many regions, conservation and rehabilitation programs
- Territorial behavior:
- Defends nesting and feeding territories
- Reproductive behavior:
- Monogamous
- Special dietary needs:
- Requires a varied diet for optimal health
- Clutch characteristics:
- 2-3 eggs
- Interaction with other species:
- Interacts with other bird species in feeding areas
Birdwatching Tips
- Listen for their distinctive squawks and whistles in rainforest canopies
- Look for flashes of red tail feathers during flight
- Observe fruiting trees, where they often feed in small groups
- Visit wildlife reserves in Central and West Africa for the best chances of spotting them
Did You Know?
- Grey Parrots have cognitive abilities comparable to a 3-4 year old human child.
- They can live up to 50 years in the wild and even longer in captivity.
- These birds have been observed using tools in the wild, such as using leaves to scratch themselves.
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