African Gray Parrot

Fun Facts

Parrots are famous for their intelligence. They can learn over 1,500 words, say full sentences, and mimic hundreds of voices and sounds. They can count and do simple math. They can recognize themselves in mirrors and can identify different colors, shapes, materials, and objects.

There are several color mutations of the African gray parrot, including one with all red feathers. Their flanks produce a waterproof powder that cleans and protects their beautiful feathers.

Pairs of male and female African gray parrots will often remain together for their entire lives. They care for eggs and chicks together, as chicks are helpless when they hatch. Both parents will care for the chicks for the 12 weeks it takes them to mature.

African gray parrots are disappearing. People overhunt them, destroy the forests they live in, and capture many of them to sell in the illegal pet trade.

Because they are so smart, people think parrots would be fun pets, and there are records of African gray parrots being kept by people as far back as biblical times. However, parrots are very difficult to keep, as they make huge messes, scream very loudly, live a long time, and need lots of attention. They are often given up to rescues when people cannot handle them. Only experienced professionals should keep parrots as pets.