VIRUNGA SAFARIS TOUR GIDE. African Grey Parrot

In case you are Planning a Uganda Birding Safari. Then plan to enjoy the African Grey Parrot.

African grey parrots gifted with the ability to mimick almost any sound.
In this section of the birding safari, we share with you information about African Grey Parrots that can help you enjoy your Bird watching tour to Africa.

Where to find the African Grey Parrots in Uganda (Psittacus erithacus)

The African grey parrot is among the larger of forest and woodland parrots.
You will mainly find this Uganda bird in forests like the miombo woodland.
Like the other types of parrots, African grey parrots have far-carrying calls which they make frequently during long flights over the forest canopy.
In Uganda you will find them in forests from 700-2300 meters.

Characteristics of the African grey parrot

The African grey parrot is a large broad-winged grey parrot with a height of 30-31cm and sexes are alike.
It has a short square- ended scarlet red tail which is difficult to see unless there is good light.
If you are at close range you will be able to see its creamy – yellow eyes, whitish sides of the face.
It also has scaly grey fringes from the head to the neck.
During flight the birds show a darker near black primaries but the red tail is characteristic!

In their habitats

You can find flocks of African grey parrots in any forested habitat but you might also see these birds in pairs or small groups.
They gather at fruiting trees and often follow regular paths to roosting and feeding areas.
In flight or when perched up, the African grey parrot gives a variety of great loud squawking call and raucous notes and sometimes the sounds can be explosive!

                                                                                                       Size: Medium, 12 to 13 inches long and from 275 grams up to 650 grams (1.4 pounds). Congos are slightly larger and heavier than Timnehs.

Personality: Shy but can be affectionate. Tends to bond strongly with one person. Relatively quiet voice, although capable of loud calls. Congos are more prone to feather plucking.

Food
The parrots in forest are mainly dependent on vegetarian diet like seeds, fruits, leaves and palm nuts. Sometimes they are observed to feed on snails to enrich their vegetarian diet with protein. To maintain good health of a pet parrot and keep them happy, it becomes essential to give a variety of things to eat. For example, you can give a diet full of fruits, leaves and vegetables. They also need occasional protein rich supplements. It need not be snail always, you can also give eggs that too has an equal amount of protein required for the bird.

Care
These parrots are supposed to be the most intelligent of all bird species. To stay happy in the captivity, these birds need mental stimulation to a large extent to be healthy and happy. This pet demands a lot of attention and maintenance. You need to spend a lot of time with this creature as they are very social and always seek company.