Grey Parrot
Psittacus erithacus
Visual Identification
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.
Size
Length
33cm to 40cm
Wingspan
46cm to 52cm
Weight
400g to 490g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Grey
Secondary Colour
Red White
Beak Colour
Black
Leg Colour
Grey
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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.
Elevation Range
Up to 2,200 meters
Climate zones
Tropical, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Grey Parrot. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
Grey Parrots demonstrate high agility with their excellent flying capabilities, able to navigate swiftly through dense forest canopies and cover considerable distances. Their ability to perform direct, fast flights between feeding and roosting sites indicates impressive aerial manoeuvrability.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
While not exceptionally strong for their size, Grey Parrots possess enough strength to crack open hard nuts and seeds with their robust beaks. Their ability to climb and manipulate objects also suggests moderate strength relative to their body size.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Grey Parrots exhibit remarkable adaptability, showcasing problem-solving skills and tool use in the wild. Their cognitive abilities, comparable to young human children, allow them to adjust to various environments, from rainforests to cultivated areas. Their capacity to mimic sounds and learn complex behaviours further demonstrates their adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
Grey Parrots are generally not considered aggressive birds. They are highly social, often seen in pairs or small flocks, suggesting a more cooperative nature. However, they may display some aggression when defending nests or competing for resources, hence the moderate rating.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
With their ability to fly long distances between feeding and roosting sites, Grey Parrots demonstrate good endurance. Their long lifespan of up to 50 years in the wild also suggests a robust constitution. However, as they are not migratory, their long-term flight endurance may not be as high as some other bird species.
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.
Vocalisation
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 and Status
Global Conservation Status
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.
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
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Other names:
African Grey Parrot, Congo Grey Parrot
Family:
PsittacidaeAverage Lifespan
40 to 50 years
Predators
Natural predators include large raptors such as crowned eagles and palm-nut vultures. Monkeys and snakes may prey on eggs and nestlings.
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.
References
- 1 3
website: BirdLife International. 2021. Psittacus erithacus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2021: e.T22724813A154428817.
View source - 2
report, 2008: African Grey Parrot Psittacus erithacus Case Study - McGowan, Phillip
View source
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