African Grey Parrot




The African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus), also known as the Grey Parrot, is a medium-sized parrot found in the primary and secondary rainforest of West and Central Africa. 


Experts regard it as one of the most intelligent birds in the world. They feed primarily on palm nuts, seeds, fruits, and leafy matter, but have also been observed eating snails. 


Their overall gentle nature and their inclination and ability to mimic speech have made them popular pets, which has led many to be captured from the wild and sold into the pet trade.


The species is endemic to primary and secondary rainforest of West and Central Africa.Grey parrots depend on large old trees for the natural hollows they use for nesting. Studies in Guinea and Guinea-Bissau have found that African Greys' preferred species of nesting trees are also species preferred for timber.


There is a positive relationship between the status of the species and the status of primary forest:where the forests are declining, so too are populations of Grey parrots.


Many pet Congo African Greys learn to speak in their second or third year.Timnehs are generally observed to start speaking earlier.Both subspecies seem to have same ability and tendency to produce human speech, but vocal ability and proclivity may range widely among individual birds.


Their sociability and intelligence can make African Grey parrots excellent pets. They have a devoted following among parrot owners. However, the same qualities mean that African Greys require a special commitment by their owners to provide frequent one-on-one interaction and supervised time out of their cage.


 They must be kept entertained and busy with people and toys or they may become stressed and develop self-destructive behavior.


Source:www.wikipedia.com