African Grey Parrot Information - Hobbies

Native to Africa, the African Grey Parrot is a highly intelligent species of parrot. Known for its charm and mimicry abilities, the African Grey draws attention not with its colorful wings or beautiful singing voice, but with its large vocabulary range. In a loving, caring, and patient environment, the African Grey Parrot will flourish, making an entertaining and rewarding pet companion.

The African Grey Parrot comes in mainly 2 subspecies. The main difference between the Congo and Timneh subspecies is their size and color. Normally both the Congo and Timneh African Grey parrots are considered to be medium in size. The Timneh is known to be smaller in size, but fuller in feather thickness. Their body feather color ranges from medium to an almost dark charcoal gray, and their tail feathers are usually dark maroon red. The Congo Grey Parrot is usually larger in length and heavier in weight, but with thinner feathers. Lighter gray feathers and a bright red tail, further differentiate the Congo from the Timneh. And the final main difference between the two subspecies is the color of their beak, also known as the mandible. The top of the Timneh's mandible is a bone or cream color, while the Congo Gray Parrot's mandible is almost all black.

It is good to note, there has been some debate in regards to a third subspecies of African Gray Parrot known as the Princeps. The Princeps, named so because of it is usually only found on the Principe Island in the Gulf of Guinea, is in all ways identical to the Congo Gray Parrot except for it being slightly darker in color. Many believe this is, in fact, a third subspecies, while others disagree believing the Princep to be the same as the Congo Gray subspecies. Some may also refer to the Parrot as Silver Grays or Camaroon Greys.

The decision of choosing a parrot subspecies for a parrot companion comes mainly down to personal preference. Both subspecies make gentle, loving, lifelong (living between 60-80 years) pets. Proper care, patience, and love are essential to the well being of the parrot. Because of their high intelligence, the African Grays can become easily stressed and excitable. The parrot may begin to behave poorly by chewing, biting, or plucking its feathers, if not properly cared for.

Proper research and understanding the full commitments required in owning an African Gray Parrot is important. Some say that training of and caring for an African Gray Parrot is similar to raising a small child. They can be challenging, demanding, and frustrating to care for at times, but the rewards, entertainment, and love that you will receive back from an African Gray Parrot will well outweigh the cons. Devotion, patience, and love for an African Gray Parrot will enhance the lives of its owners for a lifetime!

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