The Timneh (p.e. Timneh), the smaller of the two and a dark grey with a maroon tail, and the Congo (the nominate p.e.), the bigger and a lighter grey with a red tail, are the two most common kinds of African Grey.
The connection between the two has caused considerable debate among ornithologists: some believe the Timneh is a separate species, some believe it is a real subspecies, and still, others believe it is a regional variant of the nominate species.
To complicate matters further, there is debate concerning Congo Grey variants such as Cameroon and Ghana. Some argue that these are real sub-species, while others argue that they are regional variants of the nominate.
As if that weren’t enough, there’s a debate over whether the Congo Grey should be termed a ‘Congo Grey’ or an ‘African Grey,’ and if they’re the ‘African Grey,’ what is a ‘Timneh Grey’? Hey, they’re all “African Greys” in my opinion.
They can live for 50+ years with adequate care, which should be considered before taking one home since they might potentially outlast you……
Quick Facts:
Scientific Name: Psittacus Erithacus
Common Name: African Grey, Congo Grey, CAG
Native To: West Central Africa
Introducing my African Grey: Charlie is an African Grey from the Congo. Grey parrots are exceptionally clever and sensitive birds. I’ve discovered that there is no need for a scolding tone of voice or the “evil eye,” both of which our Pacific Parrotlet cheerfully ignores and continues to do whatever he wants since Charlie notices and reacts to even the smallest shift in tone in my voice. Greyhounds are famous for their ability to speak, which normally begins around the age of a year. It was as if someone flipped a switch; one minute he was whistling all of his tunes, and the next he was chatting nonstop using terms and phrases from months ago. Then, approximately a year later, he began experimenting with other voices, of which he has a large collection. High pitched, raspy, baritone, mine, my wife’s, his own, and a variety of others.
The untamed areas of Western and Central Africa are where the origin of the African Gray parrot may be found. In Egyptian hieroglyphics from that time period, depictions of parrots serving as royal pets can be seen. This suggests that their history goes back at least 4,000 years. On their colonial conquest journeys, Portuguese sailors often brought their pet African Gray parrots with them. This practice was similar to that of Roman aristocracies and wealthy families, who also maintained parrots in elaborate cages.
There are two subspecies of the African Gray Parrot: (1) the Congo African Gray, also known by its scientific name, P. e. enthacus, and (2) the Timneh African Gray Parrot (P. e. timneh).
Both subspecies of the African Gray have a similar appearance in terms of coloration; however, the color tones of the Congo African Gray are more profound than those of the Timneh African Gray.
Its whole tail is red (crimson), its bills are charcoal gray, and the backdrop that surrounds its eyes is white. Its descriptive name, “Gray,” is obviously derived from the predominant color of its plumage. The size of this macaw, which is 13 inches (33 cm) in length, is somewhat less than that of the Blue and Gold Macaw. The weight might be anything between 380 and 550 grams.
It is often considered to be one of the most intellectual birds in the animal kingdom, and it has a stellar reputation for its ability to communicate verbally. It has a life expectancy of fifty to sixty years, which is twice or three times that of any other animal kept as a pet, making it an excellent choice of pet for someone who wants a companion animal for their whole life. Unless it is altered by surgery or DNA testing, sexuality cannot be distinguished from other forms of its sort.
There are many different motivations for selling birds nowadays. The demand for domesticated animals of any sort, everywhere in the globe, is quite high. People living in wealthy countries who are not blessed with large families often go to their dogs for companionship. In situations such as this one, birds that have a long life span appear in the first place on the list of appropriate lifetime mates to alleviate the sorrow and loneliness of being alone.
Incentives to Purchase an African Gray Parrot because of the following:
- When it comes to imitation, this parrot is considered to be the most clever of all birds.
- The longest life span of any bird; although other species can live up to 30 years, the African Gray may live up to 60 years.
- Would have no trouble adjusting to a diet of ordinary fruits, vegetables, and nuts in its human-controlled surroundings, just as it would have in the wild.
- Capable, to a certain extent, of linking human words with their respective meanings.
- According to long-time owners, having one as a friend is like having a kid who is 5 years old as a playmate.
- Extremely loyal and committed, having the propensity to form bonds with just a single individual in situations when there was no opportunity to interact with members of other groups.
Following an announcement made by the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species, it is now unlawful to sell any “catch” of parrots that originates directly from the woods.
Breeders of African Gray parrots in captivity hand-raise their offspring for the advantage of those who sell pets. Hybrid African Gray parrots are sold in pet stores, on websites, and sometimes by people who, for unavoidable circumstances in their lives, are forced to part with their own bird. These people promote hybrid African Gray parrots.
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