Grey Parrot

African Grey Parrot or simply grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) or Congo Grey parrot or African Grey belongs to family Psittacidae. It is a separate unique species. It is a talking (mimicking) pet. It can learn about 1000 words. Moreover, speaking capability makes it a special pet in the homes. Its intelligence makes it the Einstein of the parrots. 

Taxonomy

Sceintific Name	erithacus
Class	Aves
Domain	Eukaryote
Family	Psittacidae
Genus	Psittacus
Kingdom	Animalia
Length	33 Centimeters
Wing Span	46-52 Centimeters

Particulars of Grey Parrot at a Glance-Petsbirdss

Color

Edges of feathers and the surrounding of the eyes are whitish in color, other parts of the bird are mostly greyish. Beak is dark grey with whitish lines. Tail color is reddish, and seems to be a warning for predators.

Weight

They weigh approximately 0.418-0.526 Kg. “Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus)”. World Parrot Trust. Retrieved 9 April 2014.  

Life Span

Lifespan of this bird is long, almost 40-60 years. In captivity, it may increase with good diet, physical exercise and better healthy environment.

Gender identification

Gender identification of these birds is not easy. Both male and female birds look similar. Gender may be identified due to differences in cloaca, by experts. Behavior of male is slightly different, for example more vocal behavior by male. There are few subtle differences that are also observable like larger size of beak and head in male than those of females.

How can the age of the birds be determined?

Age of African Grey is not easily determinable, some changes in behaviors and posture may help. For example, older parrots are less playful than younger ones. Juvenile feathers develop and become brighter with age. However, it is quite easy for a veterinarian to determine age by examining the features.  

Habitat                                                          

Grey parrots are commonly known as African grey parrots, indicating the main habitat of the species. Estimated population of the bird in the world ranges from 6 to 13 millions with a declining trend due to over predation  and deforestation.The bird is also shortly distributed in South Florida.

In their habitat, they take part in spreading plant species due to excretion of undigested seeds and pollination due to their liking of nectors.

Feeding and Care

Mostly feeding on fresh fruits, nuts, seeds indicating the bird as herbivor. However, it may feed on small insects and their larvae. “African gray parrot | bird”. Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 2 March 2016.

To avoid deficiency of Vitamin A, beta-carotene rich vegetables slices must be part of its diet. For their balanced diet, Nutri Berries are highly recommended. Nutri Berries for parrots have nutritional ingredients including corn, oat groats, peanuts, red millets, rape seed, safflower, maltodextrin, wheat, soybean meal, canola oil, gelatin, amino acid methionine, citric acid, vitamin B12, Vitamin D3, folic acid, corn oil, carotene, oat groats. Nutritional value of berries is as under; 

Crude Protein	12.5%
Crude Fat	8%
Crude Fiber	5%
Calories	12.5%
Omega 3 Fatty Acid	0.49%
Omega 6 Fatty Acid	4.66%

  Source: (https://lafeber.com/product/parrot-nutri-berries/)                                                           

Breeding

Their nests are found in hollow tree trunks, where they breed i.e laying and incubation of 3-5 eggs by female, while male feed her and protect the nest.Incubation period is almost 30 days. Hatching of all eggs does not occur at the same time or day.  After hatching of eggs, parents feed the chicks in  beak to beak pattern after regurgitation of food. They take care of the chicks for 1-1.25 months. (African Grey Parrots”, 2006; “Psittacus erithacus African Grey Parrot, Congo African Grey Parrot, Grey Parrot”, 2008; Athan, 1999; Pepperberg, 2001)

These birds are very loyal to their mates, and are well known as monogamous, as they used to mate only with a single partner. 

Behaviour and Personality

Congo parrots are very cute and social. They mimic the words spoken by the pet keeper in their chirping voice. They not only mimic the words they hear but also use some learnt phrases according to situation (Bottoni, et al., 2003; Luescher, 2006; Pepperberg, 2000) which shows their intelligence and cognitive ability of about 5,6 years old human child. 

They must be kept in natural conditions similar to their habitat, as little change in environment makes the little birds unhappy.  While keeping them as pets, more physical contact should be avoided to keep them in a zone of mental satisfaction. Intelligence of these birds is well known. They are not only pets, but also a friend to make the keeper’s time, the fun time. Due to reason of keeping them as exotic pet,  their population is decreasing in natural habitat. 

Flight

12-14 weeks after hatching, the chicks of these parrots start short flights. Adult birds can fly in both modes i.e  active and passive flight( flapping and gliding). Their long and strong wings make them capable for swift flight to escape from predators and for searching for food. Their hollow but strong bones make them fly with speed and stamina.

Social Structure

Grey Parrots are very social and live in the form of flock. Attachment of the birds in a flock is very strong. Their vocalization is very intensive in the flock or nearby, which keep them intact. Food and forage is shared by all members. All birds follow the calls and visual displays produced by their leadership. They make strong attachments with each other, as well as with their human caregiver if they are pets.

Predators

Congo Grey Parrots are endangered due to over predation in natural habitat. Their main predators are hawks, eagles, snakes, crows,ravens, great grey owls, Nile monitor lizards which are a permanent threat to their survival. (“African Grey Parrots”, 2006; Athan and Deter, 2000) Other than these predators, human activities like deforestation and capturing birds to keep them as pets are also threatening these birds population.(https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/birds/facts/african-gray-parrot )

Conservation

Due to their popularity as pet birds, they are usually caught by pet lovers. The breeding zones of these birds must be conserved for safe and steady breeding. Bird breeders are trying to increase their population. (“CITES species database”, 2008; “The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species”, 2008)

Diseases

Fungal and bacterial infection is common especially in cages with poor cleanliness. Viral infection is also common and affects the wings and beak of the bird. Proper treatment and precautionary measures are mandatory for adoption of them as pets. Vaccination for PolyomaVirus, Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease, Pacheco disease,adenovirus, retrovirus, keeps the birds healthy and active.

Conclusion

Above mentioned features make them  strong, social and unique birds. As pets, these birds show a strong bond to pet keepers with their gossiping and mimicry. They behave like friends, and are highly recommended for being kept as pets.