African Grey Parrot

African Grey Parrots are among the largest parrots native to Africa. They are about 13 inches long, with a wingspan of roughly 18 to 20 inches, and weigh an average of 15 ounces. They are best known for their soft grey plumage, with lighter feather edging around the head and neck and darker grey wings. Their bright red tail stands out vividly against the rest of their body. Juveniles can be identified by their darker eyes, slightly duller tail feathers, and more muted coloring under the tail.

African Grey Parrots live in humid lowland forests in Central and West Africa. They are often found in dense forest habitats, including areas with oil palms, and may roost in tall palms near rivers or on offshore islands. They typically nest in tree cavities, often using holes that were previously created or abandoned by other birds.

African Grey Parrots are omnivores. Their diet includes nuts, fruits, leafy plant material, bark, flowers, and insects.

African Grey Parrots are highly social birds and often gather in large, noisy flocks. They communicate using a wide variety of calls, including whistles, shrieks, and squawks. While they are not considered migratory, some populations make seasonal movements in response to changing environmental conditions. They form strong monogamous pair bonds and typically breed once or twice a year. Females usually lay 3 to 5 eggs, and incubation lasts about 30 days. While the female incubates the eggs, the male brings her food. After the chicks hatch, both parents help raise and protect them. Young parrots leave the nest at about 12 weeks old but may remain dependent on their parents for much longer, sometimes until around 3 years of age. African Grey Parrots are long-lived birds and can live 50 to 70 years on average.

African Grey Parrots are famous for their ability to mimic sounds, including household noises and even human speech. Their intelligence and vocal skill have made them one of the most recognizable parrot species in the world. At Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo, Zari the African Grey Parrot has been known to mimic sounds like a microwave, truck noises, and human voices.

Endangered