African Grey Parrot
General Information
The African grey parrot is regarded as one of the most intelligent birds in the world. Their gentle nature and ability to mimic sounds has made them popular as pets. Unfortunately, this has led to the wild population being in serious decline.
These parrots showcase their intelligence through impressive language skills, with some individuals learning hundreds of words and even forming sentences, akin to a 5-year-old human child.
In the wild, African grey parrots are known to form monogamous pairs, fostering lifelong relationships through mutual preening and vocalisations, showcasing their devotion to one another.
Inquisitive by nature, they thrive in enriched environments with toys and puzzles, ensuring a happy and healthy life. With a lifespan of up to 60 years or more in captivity, older African grey parrots are highly esteemed for their wisdom and increased ability to communicate.
However, their popularity as pets, combined with habitat loss, has led to their endangered status, making conservation efforts crucial to their survival.
Latin name - Psittacus erithacus
Class - Birds
Order - Psittaciformes
Family - Psittacidae
IUCN Status - Vulnerable (CITES appendix II)
Habitat - Primary and Secondary rainforest
Distribution - West and central Africa
Threats
The pet trade
Lifespan
50-60 years in captivity.
Fun Fact
African grey parrots are masters of mimicry, imitating human speech and environmental sounds alike, allowing them to blend seamlessly into their surroundings in the wild. They often repeat sounds that they have heard such as sirens, telephones, melodies, voices and even other birds.
Our Residents
Becky and Barry love to mimic sounds, especially things like squeaky doors and sirens – much to the amusement of our visitors!
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