African Grey Parrot

Scientific Name: Psittacus Erithacus

IUCN (Red List) Status: Least Concern (LC)

Plumage of Psittacus erithacus is various shades of grey with very distinctive red tail feathers. African grey parrots typically measure 33 cm from head to tail and weigh up to 407gm. They have an average wingspan of 46-52 cm. medium-sized, grey, dusty-looking bird. They are also pigeon-like. Further observation would reveal the parrots bright red tail, stunning scalloped pattern and intelligent orange eyes. The grey parrot is a medium-sized, predominantly grey, black-billed parrot. Its typical weight is 400gm, with an approximate length of 33cm, and a wingspan of 46–52cm. The grey colour on the head and wings is generally darker than its body. The head and body feathers have slight white edges. The tail feathers are red. Due to selection by parrot breeders, some grey parrots are partly or completely red. Both sexes appear similar. The colouration of juveniles is similar to that of adults, but typically their eyes are dark grey to black, in comparison to the yellow irises around dark pupils of the adult birds, and their under tail coverts are tinged with grey.

Habitat: Forest, Savanna. Although typically inhabiting dense forest, they are commonly observed at forest edges, clearings, gallery forest, mangroves, wooded savannah, cultivated areas, and even gardens.

Animal Location: Savannah Sanctuary
Diet: Feeding takes place in smaller groups of up to 30 birds and the diet consists of a variety of fruits and seeds.

Reproduction: It is highly gregarious, forming large roosts at least historically containing up to 10,000 individuals. while the nest is in a tree cavity 10-30 m above ground. Nesting is usually solitary, but can take place in loose colonies.