Field guide · rare
African Grey Parrot
Africa's famously intelligent parrot — slate-grey feathers, scarlet tail, and a mind for mimicry.
Endangered
Psittacus erithacus
Overview
African grey parrots are legendary for intelligence and mimicry: thoughtful slate-grey birds with a bright scarlet tail that flock through Central African rainforest canopy. In the wild they are wary seed-and-fruit specialists; in culture they are the world's most famous talking parrot.
A high-search Congo and Uganda card that feeds thin Central African country pages.
- Scientific namePsittacus erithacus
- Length33 cm
- Weight400–500 g
- LifespanAround 40–60 years possible
- DietSeeds
- ConservationEndangered
- RegionRainforest
Habitat
- Tropical rainforest
- Forest edge
Lowland tropical rainforest and forest edge of Central and West Africa, nesting in tree cavities and foraging in fruiting canopy.
Countries found
Field notes
Field scale for the African Grey Parrot: length around 33 cm; weight 400-500 g. Typical lifespan: Around 40-60 years possible.
When you are scanning habitat, prioritise tropical rainforest and forest edge. Those settings are where a clean look and a usable photo are most likely.
Quick ID anchor: Pale to mid-grey plumage, white facial mask around the eye, black bill, and bright scarlet tail. Confirm with behaviour and habitat before you log the discovery.
Where to see one
Uganda
In Uganda, start at Kibale National Park (Western Uganda). Primate capital of the world, with habituated chimpanzee communities and 12 other primate species in lush rainforest.
More context on this destination lives on the Uganda expedition page.
Diet
Seeds, nuts, fruits, and leafy matter taken in the canopy.
Strong bills crack hard kernels other birds cannot open.
Behaviour
Social flocking birds; roost communally and fly between fruiting trees.
Nest in cavities; pairs may bond for years.
How to identify
Pale to mid-grey plumage, white facial mask around the eye, black bill, and bright scarlet tail.
Stocky parrot silhouette; no long macaw-like train.
Interesting facts
- 01
Among the most intelligent birds — famous for problem-solving and mimicry.
- 02
Slate-grey body with a striking scarlet tail.
- 03
Wild flocks feed on seeds, nuts, and fruit in the canopy.
- 04
Nest in tree hollows high above the forest floor.
- 05
Illegal pet trade has devastated wild populations.
- 06
Can live for many decades.
Conservation status
African grey parrots are Endangered. Trapping for the pet trade and forest loss have caused severe declines. Enforcement and protected forests in the Congo Basin are critical.
Sources: IUCN Red List
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Where it lives
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Spot one in the wild, then scan it in Catch'Um to log your rare discovery.