Birds
African grey parrot
Psittacus erithacus
The grey parrot is famous for its extraordinary intelligence and ability to mimic the human voice. It has grey plumage, a red tail and an alert gaze; it is one of the most studied birds for its cognitive abilities.
In short
The african grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) is a species with IUCN conservation status EN (Endangered). It lives in the rainforests and clearings of equatorial Africa, moving in flocks and gathering in large roosts. Animals in Black offers a fine-art portrait of it on a black background, available as a print on Hahnemühle paper: request the print.
Habitat & conservation
Where does the african grey parrot live?
It lives in the rainforests and clearings of equatorial Africa, moving in flocks and gathering in large roosts. It feeds on seeds, fruit and nuts, and nests in tree cavities.
Is the african grey parrot endangered?
Rated Endangered (EN) with a rapidly decreasing population. The main cause is massive capture for the international pet trade, compounded by forest destruction.
Facts about the african grey parrot
- It is considered one of the most intelligent birds in the world.
- It can learn and use hundreds of words appropriately.
- Capture for the pet trade is its main threat.
Data source: IUCN Red List — Psittacus erithacus (Endangered) · BirdLife International
RED List
Conservation status codes
- EX Extinct No individuals survive.
- EW Extinct in the wild Survives only in captivity.
- CR Critically endangered Extremely high risk of extinction.
- EN Endangered Very high risk of extinction.
- VU Vulnerable High risk of extinction.
- NT Near threatened Likely to become threatened soon.
- LC Least concern Low risk of extinction.
- DD Data deficient Not enough data to assess.
- NE Not evaluated Not yet assessed by the IUCN.