Getting to Know the African Grey Parrot

The African grey parrot offers intelligence and bonding habits that many other parrot species don't. The African grey will form a bond with you, talk to you, be playful with you, get angry with you, and love you to pieces! What else could you want from a family pet?

Scientists classify this bird as belonging to the genus and species Psittacus erithacus. There are two subspecies of the main singular species. One is known scientifically as Psittacus erithacus erithacus, commonly called the Congo African grey parrot. The next is Psittacus erithacus timneh, also known as the Timneh African grey. The central and western regions of Africa produce the Congo greys, which are the larger of the two subspecies. The Timneh greys are natives of Sierra Leone as well as the Ivory Coast area and are lighter by a few ounces. Experts in the avian field are trying to figure out if the Principe Island greys are actually a third subspecies or just a variation of one that is already established. Many individuals maintain that the Princeps is one variation of the Congo line of greys.

African greys usually have a grey or white patch of skin around the eyes as well as black feet. They all possess a wonderful, smooth grey plumage, which is soft looking. The Congos are not as dark. They have solid black beaks and dark red tail feathers when they become mature. Timnehs have darker grey feathers with some traces of maroon and taupe. They also have a beak that is two-toned.

In the rainforest, these birds live naturally in flocks and bond with one mate for life. Their diet consists primarily of fruit and nuts found in the tops of trees. In their native setting they are very alert in order to avoid predators, and they are generally successful at keeping safe because they are one of the most intelligent types of birds.

So what can be expected when you decide to make one of these marvelous birds a part of your family? You can expect the African grey to be just like a child. As a rule they will act like a two year old child, but will have the intelligence of a child who is five. It is a native instinct for the parent to bond with a mate, and so, they will become particularly attached to their human owner as a result.

It will be your job to introduce your bird into your family and prove to him that he can trust you. Your strong bonding relationship with him will determine how he interacts with everyone else in the family. You will discover that your African grey is very sensitive to your feelings, probably because of the observation skills necessary to these birds in their native habitat. Your feathered friend will even be able to discern when you are feeling down and blue and will want to communicate with you.

Loudness of any kind, especially shouting or anger will cause the bird to respond unfavorably. He won't enjoy having his beak tapped. Greys are considered to be flock animals, and they will expect to be treated as your equal; although he may want to be the center of attention!

If you opt to have one of these birds as a pet, you must make the same commitment to him as you would to having a brand new baby. Be prepared to raise the equivalent of a child, as African greys are considered youngsters for their first five years and won't reach maturity for at least another five after that! Greys have a life expectancy of between 40 and 50 years.

How can I get the bird to play with me? One way is to encourage him to bob and rock with you. Remember to move slowly at first as he has to build up his trust in you. A lot of people say that, when they buy their bird a new toy, they make a big show over playing with and enjoying the toy in front of the bird. That way the bird will really want the toy! Many experts think that you should keep them near you during your shared time at home. If you're in the family room, kitchen, or even in the bathroom, move his cage or perch so that he can be with you. He will get enjoyment by watching you and what you are doing, and he enjoys it if you praise him.

Perhaps the most enjoyable activity is teaching them to speak or imitate other sounds. These feathered creatures are famous for imitating everything they hear. They can mimic the human voice, and enjoy imitating other animals, as well as sound effects in its surroundings.

The African grey parrot makes a wonderful addition to any family. You are going to love having this bird!

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