African Grey Parrot

The skin covering the around the eye is bare and whitish. The iris is yellowish. The head is scaled white on a grey background, color continuing to darken progressively, going towards the back and chest. The wings are medium grey. The tail feathers and upper tail coverts are bright scarlet red. The beak and feet vary from grey to blackish-brown. Immature juveniles have more red, particularly dark red on the tips of the tail feathers and grey irises. It weighs between 400 and 500 g and measures about 40 cm long. It is very close to the Timneh Parrot, which was formerly considered a subspecies of the African Grey Parrot. This one measures between 30 and 35 cm long and has tail feathers on its tail of brown to dark brown color and not red. It is also generally darker grey.

It is found in forests (primary or secondary), preferably open, and wooded savannas. It tends to leave the forest during the day to search for food and take refuge in it at night. Depending on the areas and seasons, between 6 and 63 individuals per km2 can be found.

The African Grey Parrot feeds primarily on fruits, as well as flowers, buds and seeds. It is also capable of consuming herbs. It is quite flexible and modifies its diet according to seasons. One of the most important fruits is that of the oil palm, which is available year-round.