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Size and Weight: This medium sized parrot is about about
33 cm in length (11-14 inches) and weighs 300-450 grams (up to
1 pound).
Diet: The African Grey Parrot's diet includes seeds, nuts,
fruits, and berries. They usually find their fruit in the treetops
and are especially fond of the fruit of oil palms (Forshaw, 1973).
They will descend to the ground to feed on agricultural items
such as maise and groundnut.
Habitat and Distribution: These parrots are found in
the tropical lowland forests of west and central equatorial Africa
and will visit savannah woodlands and open country to feed (Forshaw,
1973).
Status in the Wild: There is some evidence that African
grey parrots are declining in parts of their range due to exploitation
and habitat destruction.
Habits and Adaptations: African grey parrots are renowned
for their mimicking ability. In fact, their ability is probably
unsurpassed by any member of the parrot family. They are known
to be capable of learning an extensive vocabulary and to be able
to reproduce sounds with great accuracy. In the wild, African
grey parrots sleep in large flocks at the tops of tall trees for
protection. They are shy and difficult to approach.
Breeding and Maturation: Greys tend to be discriminating
in their choice of mates and a pair bond cannot be guaranteed
simply by having a male and female. Usually 2-4 eggs are laid
and incubated for 28-30 days by the female. Eggs are laid and
hatch at 2-3 day intervals. The nestlings leave the nest about
10-12 weeks after hatching and remain dependent on both parents
for several months. Eyes remain almost completely black until
about 5 months and lighten to yellowish-white by about 9 months.
They reach sexual maturity at about three years. In the wild,
African grey parrots generally nest in spring and summer and prefer
the cavities of high trees.
Lifespan: African Grey Parrots generally live up to 25
years and certain individuals have been known to live
70 years (Axelson, 1989).
Conservation Issues: African grey parrots are common in
some areas but are locally scarce especially in areas of human
encroachment. In developed areas, farmers also come into conflict
with these birds as they are considered agricultural pests. Since
African grey parrots are such popular pets, many have been taken
from the wild for the pet trade. With new laws restricting commercial
trade and with increased success in captive breeding, these parrots
should no longer need to be removed from the wild.
Bibliography
Axelson, D. 1989. Caring for your pet bird. Sterling Publishing
Co., New York.
Forshaw, J. 1973. Parrots of the World. Lansdowne Press, Melbourne,
Australia.
Low, R. 1986 Parrots: Their Care and Breeding. Revised and Expanded
edition. Blandford Press, Ltd.
Photo: by Ron Winch for the Minnesota Zoo
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