18 Surprising Facts About African Grey Parrots & How To See Them in The Wild

African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) are among the most captivating and intelligent birds on the planet, boasting a stunning combination of beauty, brains, and fascinating behaviors. Found primarily in the dense rainforests of West and Central Africa, these remarkable creatures have captured the hearts of bird enthusiasts and researchers alike.

In this article, we will explore the captivating world of the African grey parrot, delving into essential information about their biology, habitat, and conservation status. Then, we’ll unveil a treasure trove of surprising and interesting facts that make these birds so unique. Finally, we’ll guide you on an unforgettable journey to discover how and where to catch a glimpse of African grey parrots in their natural habitat.

Join us as we embark on an expedition into the enchanting world of these extraordinary feathered friends.

Essential Information About African Grey Parrots

• Scientific name: Psittacus erithacus
• Type of Animal: Bird
• Size: 33 cm (13 in).
• Weight: 400g (14 oz)
• Distribution: Western and Central Africa
• Habitat: Lowland rainforest
• Diet: Fruits, nuts, leaves, flowers, insects.
• Predators: Snakes, wild cats, and larger birds of prey. Monkeys may steal eggs.
• Reproduction: Pairs mate for life, and breed once or twice a year. Females lay 2 to 4 eggs that need to incubate for 30 days.
• Conservation status: Endangered. Population is decreasing.

18 Amazing, Little-Known Facts About The African Grey Parrot

1. African grey parrots are renowned for their incredible intelligence and problem-solving abilities. They can even rival young children in their cognitive skills (source: BBC Earth: [https://www.bbc.com/earth/story/20170110-the-worlds-most-intelligent-birds]).
2. These parrots have a remarkable capacity for vocal mimicry, allowing them to imitate human speech and other sounds with astonishing accuracy (source: The Guardian: [https://www.theguardian.com/science/2016/feb/24/african-grey-parrots-imitate-sounds-study]).
3. African grey parrots have been shown to understand the concept of zero, a level of numerical understanding thought to be unique to humans and some primates (source: Science: [https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2018/07/parrots-grasp-concept-zero]).
4. In the wild, African grey parrots form monogamous pairs and remain together for life (source: Animal Diversity Web: [https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Psittacus_erithacus/]).
5. These birds have a long lifespan, living up to 50 years or more in the wild and even longer in captivity (source: World Parrot Trust: [https://www.parrots.org/encyclopedia/african-grey-parrot]).
6. African grey parrots can understand and use human language to communicate their needs, wants, and emotions (source: Scientific American: [https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/famed-talking-parrot-dies/]).
7. They are known to exhibit self-awareness, a rare trait in the animal kingdom, as demonstrated by their ability to recognize themselves in a mirror (source: Animal Cognition: [https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs10071-018-1187-0]).
8. African grey parrots have been observed using tools, such as sticks, to extract food from hard-to-reach places (source: National Geographic: [https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/131022-african-grey-parrots-tools-food-animals-science]).
9. Sadly, the African grey parrot is now classified as an endangered species due to habitat loss, hunting, and the illegal pet trade (source: IUCN Red List: [https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22724813/95088790]).
10. These birds have a highly developed sense of rhythm and have been observed bobbing their heads and moving in sync with music (source: Current Biology: [https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(09)00937-7]).
11. African grey parrots are capable of understanding the concept of sharing and have shown generosity towards their fellow birds (source: Current Biology: [https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(19)31611-4]).
12. In the wild, these parrots have a diverse diet, consuming fruits, seeds, nuts, bark, and even snails and insects (source: World Parrot Trust: [https://www.parrots.org/encyclopedia/african-grey-parrot]).
13. African grey parrots are known to create “lexical innovations,” inventing new words and phrases when they don’t know the correct term (source: Animal Behaviour: [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003347207003427]).
14. These parrots have a remarkable ability to adapt to different habitats, from dense rainforests to mangroves and even cultivated areas (source: BirdLife International: [http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/african-grey-parrot-psittacus-erithacus]).
15. African grey parrots are known to exhibit regional dialects in their vocalizations, with variations in their calls depending on the geographical location (source: Animal Behaviour: [https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0003347200916657]).
16. These birds have been observed participating in “anting,” a behavior where they rub ants or other insects on their feathers, possibly to remove parasites or soothe irritated skin (source: Avian and Poultry Biology Reviews: [https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3184/175815511X13207833345371]).
17. African grey parrots can fly at impressive speeds, reaching up to 35 miles per hour (56 kilometers per hour) in flight (source: World Parrot Trust: [https://www.parrots.org/encyclopedia/african-grey-parrot]).
18. These parrots have a unique feather pattern: their flight feathers are a striking contrast of dark grey with a vibrant red tail, making them easily identifiable (source: Animal Diversity Web: [https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Psittacus_erithacus/]).

Where & How To See African Grey Parrots in The Wild?

there are a few specific spots, regions, and national parks where you are more likely to see African grey parrots in the wild:

1. Kakum National Park, Ghana: This park is home to over 300 bird species, including the African grey parrot. There’s a canopy walkway that offers a unique bird’s-eye view of the forest and its inhabitants (source: Ghana Wildlife Society: [https://ghanawildlifesociety.org/kakum-national-park]).
2. Lobeke National Park, Cameroon: Located in the southeast corner of Cameroon, Lobeke National Park is part of the Congo Basin, and its lush rainforests provide an ideal habitat for African grey parrots (source: Wildlife Conservation Society: [https://wcs.org/our-work/regions/congo-basin]).
3. Odzala-Kokoua National Park, Republic of Congo: This park, part of the Congo Basin, boasts an incredibly diverse ecosystem and a range of wildlife, including African grey parrots. Guided tours are available for those interested in birdwatching and exploring the park (source: Odzala Discovery Camps: [https://www.odzala.com]).
4. Loango National Park, Gabon: Known for its coastal forests, savannas, and mangroves, Loango National Park is home to many bird species, including the African grey parrot. Boat trips and guided walks provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching (source: African Parks: [https://www.africanparks.org/the-parks/loango]).
5. Salonga National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo: As the largest tropical rainforest reserve in Africa, Salonga National Park is home to a wide variety of bird species, including the African grey parrot. The park is quite remote and requires careful planning to visit, but it offers an unparalleled experience for adventurous travelers (source: UNESCO: [https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/280]).

When planning your trip, it’s essential to research the best times to visit each location, as birdwatching conditions can vary depending on the season. Additionally, make sure to book guided tours or excursions with reputable, eco-conscious tour operators to ensure a responsible and enjoyable experience.

Seeing wild African grey parrots in their natural habitat can be an incredible experience. Here are some tips to help you plan your adventure and make the most of your birdwatching journey:

1. Choose the right destination: African grey parrots can be found in various countries across West and Central Africa. Some popular spots to observe them include Ghana, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Gabon (source: BirdLife International: [http://datazone.birdlife.org/species/factsheet/african-grey-parrot-psittacus-erithacus]).
2. Opt for ethical tours: It’s essential to choose responsible, eco-friendly tour operators that prioritize the well-being of the animals and support local conservation efforts (source: World Wildlife Fund: [https://www.worldwildlife.org/pages/how-to-choose-an-ecotour]).
3. Best time to visit: The dry season (typically November to April) is usually the best time for birdwatching in Africa, as many birds congregate around water sources and the vegetation is less dense, making it easier to spot them (source: African Bird Club: [https://www.africanbirdclub.org/countries/general-information]).
4. Learn from the experts: Local guides have invaluable knowledge about the birds and their behavior, which can greatly enhance your experience. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and listen to their insights (source: Audley Travel: [https://www.audleytravel.com/us/blog/2016/may/10-tips-for-your-first-wildlife-photography-tour]).
5. Bring the right equipment: A good pair of binoculars is essential for birdwatching, and a camera with a zoom lens can help you capture some stunning shots. Also, consider wearing comfortable, lightweight clothing in neutral colors to blend in with the surroundings (source: African Bird Club: [https://www.africanbirdclub.org/countries/general-information]).
6. Be patient and respectful: Wild animals can be elusive, so be prepared to wait and observe quietly. Remember that you are a guest in their habitat, and always follow the guidelines provided by your tour operator or guide (source: National Geographic: [https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/lists/activities/how-to-photograph-wildlife-while-traveling/]).
7. Practice responsible photography: Be mindful of your camera’s flash and noise, as these can disturb the birds. Follow any guidelines provided by your guide or tour operator (source: African Wildlife Foundation: [https://www.awf.org/blog/7-tips-wildlife-photography]).

By following these tips and embracing the spirit of adventure, you’ll create unforgettable memories and contribute to the protection and conservation of African grey parrots in the wild. Happy birdwatching!