About the African Grey Parrot
The African grey parrot is famous for its intelligence and ability to mimic human speech, making it one of the most popular of all avian pets. One of the largest parrots in Africa, the African grey parrot has pale grey plumage, with whitish edges to the feathers on the head and neck, which give a lacy or ‘scalloped’ appearance. They feed on a variety of fruit, seeds, and nuts and may travel long distances to find them. Additionally to being able to mimic human speech the African Grey Parrot is also known to mimic other bird and mammal calls.
Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Psittaciformes
Family: Psittacidae
Genus: Psittacus
Species: erithacus
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Psittaciformes
Family: Psittacidae
Genus: Psittacus
Species: erithacus
Location & Habitat
African grey parrots are found in the forest belt of central and West Africa including the oceanic island of Príncipe (Gulf of Guinea). In Western Africa, they are found in coastal countries such as Sierra Leone, Ghana, and the Ivory Coast. The habitat of African grey parrots is usually moist lowland forests. They are commonly observed at forest edges, clearings, gallery forests, mangroves, wooded savannahs, cultivated areas, and gardens.The nest of the African grey parrot is generally a simple cavity, high in a tree
Human Impact
African grey parrots are the second most heavily harvested parrot in the world. They are one of the most popular avian pets in Europe, the United States, and the Middle East.They are one of the most popular avian pets in Europe, the United States, and the Middle East.They are one of the most popular avian pets in Europe, the United States, and the Middle East.
Interesting Facts
- Captive African grey parrots may live for up to 50 years
- Studies have found that African grey parrots have complex cognition and are considered one of the most intelligent species of animal
- A captive African grey parrot named Alex was able to use English words to identify colours, shapes and quantities
- The African grey parrot is one of the largest parrots in Africa
Sources
- http://www.brackenbird.com/african-grey
- http://www.birdtricks.com/training_a_grey_african_parrot.htm
- https://scumbagscarlett.wordpress.com/2013/05/06/my-view-on-african-grey-parrots/
- https://www.flickr.com/photos/size_uk/2893368412/
- http://www.arkive.org/african-grey-parrot/psittacus-erithacus/
- http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Psittacus_erithacus/