Animal Profiles
Birds

African Grey Parrot

Psittacus erithacus

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Grey parrots are social African birds with grey feathers, a red tail and a strong curved bill. They gather at communal roosts and search for plant foods in smaller parties.

Psittacus erithacus (african grey parrot)

Grey parrot at Yampopo Beach in Douala, Cameroon.

Florettesokeng · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Central African forests and wooded edges.
Habitat
Rainforest
Diet
Herbivore
Food
Fruits, nuts, seeds and other plant material.

Classification

Common name
African Grey Parrot
Browse group
Birds
Scientific name or taxon
Psittacus erithacus
Taxon rank
species
Order
Psittaciformes
Family
Psittacidae
Genus
Psittacus
Source classification
Aves

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • Pairs nest in holes in trees.
  • Large flocks gather at evening roosts.
  • Young birds receive care from both parents.

Habitat and range

Grey parrots inhabit moist African forests, using clearings, riverine woods and nearby feeding grounds. This account concerns the red-tailed grey parrot; the older source also includes the now separately recognised Timneh parrot.

Appearance and adaptations

A pale face and black bill contrast with the grey body and bright tail. The hooked bill handles hard foods, while the feet grip branches.

Diet and behaviour

Fruit and nuts form much of the wild diet, with other plant parts and occasional insects also eaten. Birds travel between feeding areas and communal roosts; breeding pairs occupy individual tree cavities.

Sources

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