African Grey Parrot: Scientific Name, Habitat, Features, Conservation Status

The African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus) is widely regarded as one of the most intelligent and talented talking birds in the world. Famous for their exceptional ability to mimic human speech and sounds, these medium-sized grey parrots have been popular pets for centuries. However, their popularity has also contributed to a sharp population decline in the wild, leading to an “Endangered” listing on the IUCN Red List.

African Grey Parrot Latest News (November 2025)

As of November 2025, authorities in several countries continue to tighten regulations on the trade of African Grey Parrots. In India, for example, there are currently no registered breeders or authorized pet shops legally permitted to sell African Grey Parrots (Psittacus erithacus), making them one of the most restricted exotic birds in the domestic pet trade. Similar restrictions are in place across the European Union, the United States (under CITES Appendix I), and many Asian countries due to ongoing concerns over illegal trapping and smuggling.

Scientific Name

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Psittaciformes
• Family: Psittacidae
• Genus: Psittacus
• Species: Psittacus erithacus

Commonly known as the African Grey Parrot or simply “Grey Parrot.” Two recognized subspecies:

• Congo African Grey (Psittacus erithacus erithacus) – larger, brighter red tail
• Timneh African Grey (Psittacus erithacus timneh) – smaller, darker, maroon tail

Habitat and Distribution

African Grey Parrots are native to equatorial Africa. Their natural range stretches from Kenya and Tanzania in the east across the Congo Basin to the Ivory Coast and Guinea in West Africa.

Primary habitats include:

• Primary and secondary rainforests
• Mangrove forests
• Wooded savannahs
• Forest edges and clearings
• Cultivated areas and gardens (where they sometimes raid crops)

They are highly social and usually seen in noisy flocks of up to several hundred birds, although flock sizes have drastically reduced in many areas.

Physical Features and Characteristics

• Size: 33 cm (13 in) in length, wingspan ≈ 46–52 cm
• Weight: 400–650 g (Congo), 300–360 g (Timneh)
• Plumage: Predominantly dusty/mottled grey with scalloped edges
• Bare facial patch: White (Congo) or cream (Timneh)
• Eyes: Pale yellow (adults)
• Tail: Bright red (Congo) or maroon (Timneh)
• Beak: Large, powerful, black
• Sexual dimorphism: Minimal; females often have slightly paler crown and narrower head, but DNA or surgical sexing is usually required.

Lifespan: 40–60 years in captivity (documented cases exceeding 70–80 years with excellent care); significantly shorter in the wild due to poaching and habitat loss.

Why Are African Grey Parrots Such Exceptional Talkers?

African Greys possess an extraordinary vocal learning ability comparable to that of a 4–6-year-old human child in some studies. Famous individuals like Alex (studied by Dr. Irene Pepperberg) demonstrated they can:

• Use words meaningfully and in context
• Count, identify colors, shapes, and materials
• Understand concepts of “same/different and absence
• Learn over 1,000 words in extreme cases

This cognitive prowess makes them one of the most sought-after companion parrots — and unfortunately one of the most heavily trafficked.

Conservation Status 2025

• IUCN Red List: Endangered (EN) – uplisted from Vulnerable in 2016
• CITES: Appendix I (highest protection level – international commercial trade banned) since 2017
• Population trend: Decreasing rapidly

Major threats:

1. Illegal pet trade (tens of thousands trapped annually despite bans)
2. Habitat destruction (logging and agriculture in Central and West Africa)
3. Nest poaching (chicks are often taken directly from tree cavities)

Conservation efforts:

• Breeding programs in zoos and accredited facilities
• Reintroduction trials in protected areas (e.g., Congo and Uganda)
• Community-based forest protection projects that provide alternative livelihoods
• Stricter enforcement of CITES regulations worldwide

Should You Keep an African Grey Parrot as a Pet in 2025?

While African Greys remain incredibly rewarding companions for experienced owners, potential owners must understand:

• They are extremely demanding in terms of social interaction, mental stimulation, and space.
• Lifespan often exceeds 50 years — longer than many dogs and cats.
• Many countries now require CITES permits even for captive-bred specimens.
• Reputable breeders are rare, and prices for legally bred, hand-reared chicks typically range from $2,000–$4,000+ USD (where legal).

Conclusion

The African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus) stands as one of nature’s most remarkable examples of avian intelligence, but its future in the wild hangs in the balance. Supporting legal, ethical breeding programs, refusing to buy wild-caught or smuggled birds, and contributing to rainforest conservation are the most effective ways individuals can help ensure that future generations will still hear the unmistakable voice of the African Grey echoing through Central Africa’s forests.

If you are fascinated by these incredible birds, consider visiting accredited zoos, supporting parrot sanctuaries, or even “adopting” a bird through conservation organizations instead of bringing one home a pet that may have been taken from the wild.

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