# What Do African Grey Parrots Eat?

> What african grey parrots eat: Herbivore (seeds, nuts, fruit), foraging style, and seasonal shifts in Lowland tropical rainforest.

- **Species:** African Grey Parrot (*Psittacus erithacus*)
- **Conservation status:** Endangered
- **Diet:** Herbivore (seeds, nuts, fruit)
- **Habitat:** Lowland tropical rainforest
- **Lifespan:** 40–60 years
- **Top speed:** 50 km/h (30 mph) in flight
- **Canonical HTML:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/african-grey-parrot/what-do-african-grey-parrot-eat/
- **Parent profile:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/african-grey-parrot/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Quick answer

The African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) is a medium-sized grey parrot of the lowland rainforests of West and Central Africa, widely regarded as one of the most intelligent birds and a famously gifted mimic. It measures about 33 cm (13 in) long, weighs 400 to 500 g, and can live 40 to 60 years, making it both a demanding pet and a long-term commitment. Wild populations have fallen sharply from trapping for the pet trade and habitat loss, and the IUCN lists the species as Endangered.

## Who should skip this page

Skip this if you need a captive feeding plan from a veterinarian. This page is wild diet, not a pet-care sheet.

## Appearance and identification

The African grey is a stocky, medium-sized parrot with soft grey plumage, a paler scalloped edging to its feathers, and a striking bright-red tail. Its bare, pale face surrounds a dark bill and yellow eyes in adults. Standing about 33 cm (13 in) long and weighing 400 to 500 g, it is understated in colour compared with many parrots but instantly recognisable. Males and females look alike, so telling them apart usually requires genetic or veterinary testing.

## Help protect the African Grey Parrot

African grey parrots are trapped for the pet trade. WARN funds partner anti-trafficking rescue and sanctuary care in South America and beyond.

[Donate to parrot rescue](https://worldanimalrescuenetwork.org/appeals/parrots/)

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/african-grey-parrot/what-do-african-grey-parrot-eat/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.