African Grey / Grey Parrot Species
(Psittacus Erithacus)
General African Grey Information ... African Grey Diet ... The Nature of Grey: Personality & Care Requirements ... General Bird Care Requirements / Tips before Buying ... African Grey Diseases
The most common races of African Grey Parrots are the "Congo Greys" (Psittacus erithacus) and "Timneh Greys" (Psittacus timneh).
The Timneh was until recently considered a sub-species of the Congro Grey. However, in 2011, the Timneh and Congo Grey Parrot races were officially separated based on genetic, morphological, plumage and vocal differences (Ref. research by Melo and O'Ryan - 2007).
One criteria for splitting up the two species was the fact that these two species don't interbreed within their natural habitat. However, Congo Grey / Timneh Grey hybrids have occurred in captivity (for example, Libby, a Congo-Timneh Hybrid African Grey Parrot - image published on www.griffinexotics.com/). Even though Congo-Timneh crosses are VERY rare, they are said to be viable and fertile (able to produce young). These hybrids are smaller in size than the Congo African Grey with the darker grey plumage of the Timneh.
Timneh Greys are distinctly smaller and darker than the Congo Grey,
and their tails are maroon, rather than bright red, such as is the case with the Congo Greys.
They other possible subspecies is not officially recognized, namely the Cameroon African Grey.
There is little difference between the Cameroon & the Congo / Kongo Greys.
Some importers / bird sellers try to label their regional origin according to their size and color variation.
Oftentimes parrots from different regions were all "pooled"
into one container during shipment, and then afterwards separated and "categorized"
as Cameroon or Congo depending on their coloration.
One speculates that diet is a large factor in why some greys are larger and lighter in color than others;
and indeed some areas contain more or less minerals in the parrots' food items causing size / color differences.
Still, it seems that the color / size is not a reliable identifyer.
Color and size differences also occur in the different regions.
African Greys of any race generally make wonderful pets - although some prefer one over the other -
depending on their personal experiences and what species they are more familiar with.
Those favoring the Timnehs are suggesting that this species tends to be calmer and less nervous of new situations and people; and that they do better in family settings, while Congos prefer one-on-one relationships. I have seen exceptions to both rules. In any case - speaking personally - there hasn't been an African Grey yet, that I haven't fallen in love with.
African Greys usually bond with one person. They wouldn't do well with most children, as they are not very patient and will bite if they are being handled. Mind you, which parrot wouldn't ... For kids, I would always recommend parakeets and cockatiels.
Please scroll down to learn more about the different species.
Species of African Greys:
African Grey (Psittacus erithacus erithacus): Please go to Congo Grey Parrot below.
Cameroon Grey Parrots: From the Cameroon Region of Africa and Central 
Africa - disputed race. Like part of Congo African Grey Parrots (below).
Congos are magnificent birds that are perhaps some of the most talented mimics of the avian world. Hand-fed birds make excellent pets and are perfect when a quieter parrot is in order.
They are sensitive and very intelligent. Toys are a must for these "bird brains" as well as an affectionate owner.
We do not recommend manzanita perches for young greys as they can be rather slippery when wet. (Source: R&B Aviary - Breeder of African Greys & Parrot Connoisseur)
Description:
Length: 33 cm (13 ins) ... Plumage is pale to dark grey. The facial area is whitish. The head feathers have a pale edging, and the abdomen feathers have a dark grey edging. Lower back is light grey; primaries (longest wing feathers) (longest wing feathers) are grey-blackish; tail and adjacent tail-coverts are red. The bill is black. Iris pale yellow in adult birds, and black / dark brown in juveniles. Adults usually have bright-red tail, while youngsters have dark grey / maroon tails, which usually turn red within a year or so. The feet are dark grey. Greys from Nigeria usually have darker wing-coverts. Congo Greys are on average larger. Occasionally birds occur with some or many salmon-pink feathers, which is within color variation of species.
Distribution:
Distributed from south-eastern Ivory Coast to Western Kenya, Northwest Tanzania, south-central Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and northern Angola (Cabinda). There may possibly be an isolated population in the Kilimanjaro area, Tanzania.
Sub-Species: Erithacus, Princeps ... some authorities consider Timnehs a separate species.
Fernando Po Grey Parrots: Please see Ghana Grey Parrots below.
Ghana Grey Parrots aka Ghana African Grey aka Princeps African Grey:
The Ghana Grey is believed to be a subspecies of the Congo African Grey (not officially recognized).
The Ghana Grey is very similar to the Congo African Grey in appearance, the only difference being a a slightly darker plumage, and it might be somewhat smaller than the Congo.
The existence of the Ghana African Grey has been questioned by many expert. The debate centers on its distinction from the Congo African Grey. Many claim that it may have at one time been a distinct breed, but interbreeding with the Congo Grey has wiped away any genetic variation between the two. Others feel that there has always been much migration between the islands and the mainland that there was probably never any distinction to begin with. Whichever the case, most claim that if the Ghana Grey was ever a distinct species, it probably is no longer today.
Distribution:
Naturally occurs on Bioko (formerly Fernando Po) and Principé Islands in the Gulf of Guinea. Probably introduced to São Tomé. Range also stretches from Ghana or the more western regions of Africa, such as the Ivory Coast and Guinea.
West African or Ghana Grey Parrot: Please see above
Timneh African Greys aka Timneh Parrots (Psittacus timneh formerly Psittacus erithacus timneh) are a bit smaller and less well known than the larger Congo Grey.
They equal the Congo's in pet potential and "talking" ability. They are darker grey in color and have a maroon tail. We have found hand fed Timneh's to be playful and affectionate. They need a "grey" sized parrot cage, lots of stimulating toys and an affectionate owner. Timneh's bond closely with their owners and delight in being part of the family. Our breeding Timneh's are on a pelleted diet with the addition of fresh fruits and veggies. (Source: R&B Aviary - Breeder of African Greys & Parrot Connoisseur)
Description:
Timnehs look similar to the larger Congo greys, except for some distinctive differences; they are more slender, weighing in at 275-375 grams; length: 30 - 31 cm (12 - 12.4 ins). Their upper beak is bone-colored instead of black, and their feathering is much darker than a Congo's. Their tail feathers are a deep lustrous maroon, as opposed to the Congo - who has a bright red tail. Timnehs retain the white mask of their larger cousins, and many people find that their faces can be extremely expressive.
Immatures as adult, but have dark irides (= plural of iris).
Photos of a Timneh African Grey Chick - from days old to several months of age
Distribution:
Naturally occurs in the western Africa - mostly from Sierra Leone, Liberia, south to the western parts of the Ivory Coast (at least 70 km east of the Bandama River). Isolated populations exist in Guinea-Bissau and Guinea, east to southern parts of Mali.
Habitat:
Lowland forest, savannah with trees, savannah woodland and mangrove areas near coast; avoids human settlement.
Breeding:
Average clutch size: 3 to 4 eggs
Incubation: 28 - 30 daysStatus:
Relatively common, but timneh population have decreased considerably in the last decade, mostly due to trapping for the pet trade as well as habitat destruction.
Habits:
In pairs or small groups during day; gather towards dusk on tall palms or trees at forest edge, along rivers or lakes. Shy; usually not approachable; visits rivers and lakes during day to drink. Noisy and conspicuous during flight, but quiet when feeding. Call consists of loud screeches and melodic, whistling sounds, and alarm call raucous.
Diet:
Natural diet: seeds, nuts, fruits, berries and nectar; prefers fruit of oil palm. Occasionally forages in millet fields.
Breeding Behavior:
Breeding season in Uganda and the Congo from July to September, in Nigeria and Liberia from December to April. Nests in tall, dead trees; in one case 30 m (100 ft) above ground; nest hollow was 60 cm (24 ins) deep and lined with decaying wood. Clutch size: 3 to 4 eggs; egg measures 39.4 x 31.0 mm (1.55 x 1.22 ins). Enjoy chewing, provide a regular supply of fresh branches.
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