National Parks/ Sanctuaries
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Common Names
grey parrot
Regions
GabonKenyaCongo
Population
Approximately 1.3 million individuals in the wild.
Habitat
African rainforests, including dense jungles and forest edges.
Weight(in lbs) and Life Span
0.5, and 50
Regions
Gabon, Kenya, Congo, Angola, Cameroon, Ghana, Togo, Tanzania, Congo, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Rwanda
The Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus), also known as the African Grey Parrot or Congo Grey Parrot, is a medium‑sized, predominantly grey parrot with striking red tail feathers and a dark bill. Juveniles have darker eyes that lighten to yellow in adults. Capable of remarkable vocal mimicry and cognitive complexity, they are among the most intelligent bird species known. They reach sexual maturity around 3–5 years of age, breed in tree cavities, and lay 3–5 eggs per clutch with an incubation period of ~30 days. Both parents care for the young until fledging (~12 weeks) and beyond.
Due to intense pressure from the international pet trade and habitat destruction, the grey parrot faces steep population declines across much of its range and is currently classified as Endangered. Conservation efforts include trade regulation (CITES Appendix I), habitat protection, law enforcement, captive breeding, and field monitoring by organizations such as the World Parrot Trust.
Activity Instructions
- Draw the Animal: Use the next page to draw a picture of the animal. Use your imagination and make it colorful!
- Write an Essay: Write a short essay about the conservation efforts to save this animal. Here are some questions to guide you:
- Why is this species important in its ecosystem?
- What are the threats it faces, and how can we help?
- What do you find most interesting about this species?
