African Grey:

While this parrot, particularly the Congo African Grey Parrot, is popular as a pet, they are no longer allowed to be caught in the wild because their population has been reduced. 

Scientifically, these two subspecies are accepted:

• Congo African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus erithacus) is larger and will grow to approximately 13 inches from the top of its head to the tips of its tail.  They primarily grey but have cherry red tails and a black beak.
• Timneh African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus timneh) is smaller and has a darker color, more like charcoal, and their tail feathers are more maroon.

Like the domesticated dog or cat, an African Grey holds onto their natural and instinctive behaviors.  As an African Grey owner, it is imperative to understand that they are wild creatures with behaviors and instincts we can only begin to understand.  Once we understand and accept these wild traits, we can begin to live together peacefully. 

One trait that makes the African Grey as appealing as pets is their ability to mimic sounds and talk.  While the ability to speak may be a source of enjoyment among parrot owners, experts don’t understood the importance of vocalizations to African Greys in the wild.  More research concerning the vocalizations is required before an informed decision can be made.

In the wild, the African Grey eats fruit, berries, nuts, and seeds.  They also eat foliage from rainforest plants, and are often seen foraging on the ground.  They may also eat insects, and are considered to be omnivores much like humans; they do enjoy exotic fruit in captivity. 

They nest in the holes in trees, preferably ones that are over or very near water.  They lay three or four eggs that remain in the nest for three months after they hatch.  They live to be 50 years old, or older, so those choosing to own an African Grey need to be prepared for a lifetime commitment. 

Any person considering purchasing an African Grey needs to realize that some behaviors are inbred, meaning the bird is going to do them regardless of how much training they receive.  One of these behaviors is that they are very vocal, especially at dusk and at dawn. 

While parrots can be trained to be less noisy, the only quiet parrot is one that is ill.  Parrots are social animals and are very communicative using vocalizations to stay in contact with the flock.  Their calls ensure that the remainder of the flock is nearby and alright.  Birds that get very loud are trying to get a response from their flock-mates.  Responding to them is a sure way to quiet them down. 

Parrots only flock with their own species.  They may live in smaller flocks, but will probably flock in larger groups.  Roosting in trees, they split up into smaller flocks to forage during the day.  As dusk approaches, they come together into larger flocks, often numbering in the thousands. 

Another wild behavior that parrot owners need to be aware is that parrots are sexual beings.  They go through periods where they are moody and hormonal, particularly as they near breeding season.  If they become aggressive all of a sudden, mating season may be near. 

Biting is not a natural behavior for parrots in the wild.  They are non-confrontational and will flee rather than fight.  However, if a captive parrot bites, it is generally out of fear.  Another reason parrots might bite is because you’re coming to close to their territory.  They may also bite if they are in pain or have not been trained not to bite. 

Excessive screaming is another habit that is not normal in the wild.  The only time a parrot will become loud in its original habitat is when it is trying to locate its flock if they become separated. 

African Greys can sometimes develop neurotic behavior, but it’s not a normal occurrence in the wild.  In captivity an African Grey may develop behavioral problems if they are neglected.  You have to realize that taking a wild animal out of its natural habitat and putting in a cage with no freedom and little room may cause some problems.  Even though your pet may have been captive bred and hand-raised, the wild instincts and innate tendencies still occur. 

Further study of the African Grey Parrot is required to truly understand them and their behavior in the wild.  That study will take place when scientists decide its time to learn more about them, to understand how captivity affects the birds, to try to maintain their habitat, or save the parrot in their native homes.