# African Grey Parrot (*Psittacus erithacus*)

> 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.

- **Category:** Bird
- **Conservation status (IUCN):** Endangered
- **Range:** The lowland rainforests of central and western Africa, across the Congo Basin.
- **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/african-grey-parrot/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Scientific classification

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Aves
- **Order:** Psittaciformes
- **Family:** Psittacidae
- **Genus:** Psittacus

## Facts at a glance

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Scientific name | Psittacus erithacus |
| Diet | Herbivore (seeds, nuts, fruit) |
| Habitat | Lowland tropical rainforest |
| Lifespan | 40–60 years |
| Weight | 400–500 g (0.9–1.1 lb) |
| Top speed | 50 km/h (30 mph) in flight |
| Conservation status | Endangered (IUCN) |

## 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.

## Intelligence and talking ability

African greys are widely considered among the most intelligent of all birds, with problem-solving and communication skills that have been the subject of extensive scientific study. They are exceptional mimics, able to learn large vocabularies and reproduce human speech and household sounds with remarkable clarity. Research with captive birds has shown they can associate words with objects, colours, and numbers rather than simply parroting sounds. This intelligence means they need constant mental stimulation and can become bored or distressed without it.

## Life in the wild

In the wild the African grey lives in lowland tropical rainforest across West and Central Africa, often gathering in large, noisy flocks. It is a herbivore that feeds on seeds, nuts, fruit, and buds, foraging in the canopy and travelling between roosting and feeding sites. In flight it is fast and direct, reaching speeds of around 50 km/h (30 mph). Flocks roost communally in tall trees and disperse each morning to feed across the forest.

## As a companion bird

The African grey is one of the most popular pet parrots precisely because of its intelligence and talking ability, but it is a demanding companion. A pet grey can live 40 to 60 years, so keeping one is a decades-long commitment that may span much of an owner's life. These birds form strong bonds and need daily interaction, a large cage, foraging toys, and a varied diet, or they may develop problems such as feather-plucking. Their sensitivity and long memory mean they thrive only with patient, consistent care.

## Breeding and lifespan

African greys nest in tree cavities, where the female incubates the eggs while the male brings food, and both parents feed the chicks after hatching. Young birds stay dependent on their parents for a considerable time as they learn to forage and, in captivity, to vocalise. Whether wild or captive, the species is long-lived, with lifespans of 40 to 60 years. This slow, low-output breeding is one reason wild populations recover slowly once reduced.

## Why it is endangered

Despite being common as a pet, the wild African grey is in serious trouble and is listed as Endangered by the IUCN. Enormous numbers have been trapped from the forests to supply the international pet trade, and this pressure, combined with the loss of rainforest habitat, has driven steep declines across its range. International trade in wild-caught birds is now heavily restricted to protect the remaining populations. Responsible ownership means choosing captive-bred birds rather than wild-caught ones.

## Frequently asked questions

### Why are African grey parrots so famous for talking?

African greys are considered among the most intelligent birds and are exceptional mimics, able to learn large vocabularies and copy speech and sounds with striking clarity. Studies of captive birds suggest they can genuinely associate words with objects, colours, and numbers.

### How long do African grey parrots live?

They are very long-lived, commonly reaching 40 to 60 years. Because of this, keeping one as a pet is a decades-long commitment that can span much of an owner's life.

### Are African grey parrots good pets?

They can be rewarding companions but are demanding. They need daily interaction, mental stimulation, a large cage, and a varied diet, and without enough attention they may develop problems such as feather-plucking.

### Are African grey parrots endangered?

Yes. Although common in captivity, the wild population is listed as Endangered by the IUCN, mainly because of trapping for the pet trade and loss of rainforest habitat.

### What do African grey parrots eat?

In the wild they are herbivores feeding on seeds, nuts, fruit, and buds in the rainforest canopy. Pet birds need a varied diet built around quality pellets, fresh vegetables, and fruit rather than seed alone.

### How big are African grey parrots?

They are medium-sized parrots, about 33 cm (13 in) long and weighing 400 to 500 g. Males and females look alike, so they usually cannot be told apart by appearance.

## Sources

- [IUCN Red List — Psittacus erithacus.](https://www.iucnredlist.org/search?query=Psittacus%20erithacus&searchType=species)
- [Animal Diversity Web — Psittacus erithacus. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.](https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Psittacus_erithacus/)
- [Wikipedia — African Grey Parrot.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grey_parrot)

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