The African Grey
Hidden Facts About The African Grey Parrot
What Is An African Grey Bird
What is the Natural Habitat of the African Grey Bird?
Notably as on nationalgeographic.com, the African grey bird is native to rainforests of central Africa. Clearly ranging in a band across the continent from Côte d’Ivoire to western Kenya. Evidently, the largest African grey bird species in Africa has silver feathers, a white mask, and a bright, reddish tail. Understandably, males and females are very similar in appearance.
Appearance of the African Grey Bird
Looks
As the name implies, the African grey predominantly looks grey, with accents of white. Naturally, some of their feathers are very dark grey and others are a lighter grey color. Moreover, they have red or maroon tails depending on the subspecies.
Color
In essence, the African grey is a mottled grey-colored, medium-sized parrot. Also, it has a large black bill and white mask enclosing yellow eyes. Additionally, they have a striking red vent and tail.
Visibly, females have a pale grey crown with dark grey edges, a grey body, and scarlet tail feathers. Although their colors may be less stunning than other parrots, they are bright in other ways.
Distinctly, they are one of the smartest birds in the world. Also, they are the greatest mimic of human speech among the 350 or so known parrot species. Apparently, research has shown that the birds possess cognitive skills equal to that of a five-year-old child. Uniquely, they also help members of their species, even complete strangers, without expecting their altruism to be reciprocated. Quite benevolent!
Size
Fundamentally, the African grey is a medium-sized parrot of the genus Psittacus, native to Africa. Although not as big as a parrot species like a Macaw. However, a full-grown adult is of a comparable size.
Intelligence and Ability to Mimic Human Speech of the African Grey Bird
Although comparative judgments of animal intelligence are usually not easy to objectively make. Factually, animal intelligence has been studied for years. Clearly, birds are often the smartest animals with profound cognitive abilities. Even so, some parrot species often kept as pets have been shown to be smarter than others.
On the subject of animal intelligence, African greys are the most heavily studied species of avian pets. Demonstratively, they are noted for their cognitive abilities. Practically, it is believed to have evolved due to their history of cooperative feeding on the ground in central Africa.
Reference to Dr. Pepperberg’s Extensive Research
Now, let us make reference to Dr. Irene Pepperberg’s extensive research with one of the most famous African Grey bird named, Alex. Sadly, he passed away in 2007 at the young age of 31 years. Notably, he was purchased from a pet store by Dr. Pepperberg at the age of one. Pepperberg was a doctoral student at the time. Marvelously, he cared for and studied him throughout his entire life. Further, Dr. Pepperberg’s research proves that African greys are capable of associating human words with their meanings. Well, at least to some extent.
Remark on Dr. Pepperberg’s Research
So, for the most part until his death, Alex learned over 100 English words. Genuinely, he was considered to have the intelligence level of a five-year-old. Pertinently, until Alex, most research on avian intelligence was done using pigeons. Simply needless to say how disappointing it was. Profoundly, Alex changed most people’s thoughts on the African grey’s learning capacity and capabilities.
Critics of Reference to Dr. Pepperberg’s Research
Although critics of Alex’s studies argue he may have simply been a product of operant conditioning and not true understanding. However, even if it was simply a trained response, Alex’s abilities far surpass anything most birds have ever achieved. Intriguingly, as a result of Alex’s research, the African grey parrot now has a reputation for being quite a smart avian pet. And most importantly, they need constant mental stimulation.
Behavior and Mating
Ostensibly, as on nationalgeographic.com, the African grey parrot is a highly social species. Usually, they fly through the sky in noisy flocks and roost in big groups amid the treetops each evening. Also, they feed in smaller groups of about 30. In addition, they eat foods like oil palm nuts and the berries of the cola plant. Commonly, rasping them in their claws and tearing them open with their strong beak. Furthermore, the African grey parrot will also sometimes raid human crops like maize.
Mating
Naturally, the monogamous parrots that mate for life begin searching for mates between three and five years of age. Habitually, a pair will seek out pre-existing tree cavities in which to make a nest. In a like manner, they lay a clutch of about three to four eggs incubated by the female. Routinely, the parents attentively build well-made nests and feed their chicks together.
History of the African Grey Bird as a Pets
Obviously, the African grey parrot’s intelligence, mimicry, and social abilities make it the most unique avian pet in the world.
Apparently, according to Wikipedia, the history of African grey parrots kept as pets dates back over 4,000 years.
Similarly, Egyptian hieroglyphics depict pet parrots. Even so, ancient Greeks also valued African gray parrots as pets. Besides, this custom was later adopted by Wealthy Roman families who often kept parrots in ornate cages. In a like manner, parrots were prized for their ability to talk. By the same token, King Henry VIII of England also had an African Grey parrot. More so, the Portuguese sailors kept them as companions on their long sea voyages.
The African Grey Bird as Pets Today
Today, the majority of African grey parrots are hand-reared by breeders for the pet trade. Conventionally, they make wonderful and very affectionate companion avian pets. Even though they may not be compatible with small children because they are often unpredictable if untrained. Axiomatically, training is very important. Besides, they are very strong and can bite with their strong beak, and scratch with their talons.
Often, pet owners often liken the experience of keeping an African grey parrot opposed to raising a young child. This is due to intelligence and the substantial time commitment that they require.
Advantages of Having African Grey Parrots
Now, before buying your first parrot. You need to do your proper research and make sure you obtain them from a reputable and experienced breeder. Also, ensure your parrots are proven hand-raised African grey parrots for sale that suit your lifestyle and family.
Importantly, having an African grey bird has some remarkable advantages.
The African Grey Bird Is:
– Inexpensive to feed
– Highly intelligent
– Great therapy
– Increase your well-being
– Easy to Care for
– Lots of fun
– Easy to train
– Indoor friendly
– Very social
– Low maintenance
– Great companions
– Make you laugh
So,are you in search of a cuddly and cage-trained, hand-raised African grey bird, Click here to browse our Available Page, and fill out the Parrot Match Form.
Impeccably, we now have that in-demand discount with a cutting-edge and convenient payment plan. Normally, we sell our parrots at a discounted price to give prospective pet bird parents a chance to own one.