NAME:

African Grey Parrot

Zoo Name:

Mikey (found in the Education Department)

Class:

Aves

Genus:

Psittacus

Species:

erithacus

Length:

12" tall

Weight:

1-2 lbs.

Lifespan:

60 yrs. (wild) 80+ yrs. (captive)

Diet:

Fruits, Nuts, & Seeds

Predators:

Snakes, Birds, Mammals

Range

Western and Central Africa

Habitat

Rainforests and open savannahs

Characteristics

African Greys are medium-sized parrot with predominantly grey feathers. Their tail feathers are red or maroon to find flock-mates more easily under the rainforest canopy.

Behavior

African Grey Parrots have a talking ability that exceeds all other parrots (some birds have a vocabulary of more than a 1,000 words). Their cognitive function is said to be equal to that of a four-year-old child. In the wild, they fly in large flocks of monogamous pairs. African Grey Parrots were prized pets by ancient Egyptians, Greeks, Romans.

Reproduction

Adult African Grey Parrots mate for life (pretty amazing, since they can live more than 60 years in the wild). 3-5 eggs are laid in a tree cavity and incubated for 30 days. Both parents feed and protect their chicks.

Threats

The biggest threat to African Grey Parrots is the illegal pet trade. For every 1 wild-caught African Grey that survives to become someone’s pet, 20 do not live to see the end of the journey from Africa to a birdcage.