Master of Sounds: The African Grey Parrot

Of all the parrot breeds, the African grey parrot is thought to be the most intelligent. Granted, it is difficult to judge animal intelligence objectively, but of all known birds, the African grey parrot is generally said to be the cleverest.

African grey parrots seem to be able to think much better than other birds.
Extensive research has shown that they are not only able to “say” human words, but are also able, to some extent, to associate those words with correct meanings.

Imagine the intelligence of an average 5-year old child, and you will be close to that of the African Grey parrot. Imagine the emotional development of a 2-year old child, and you will understand the emotions of your African Grey parrot. Put the two together, and you have an amicable, playful toddler who can talk a blue streak!

Polly Wants a – Jet Engine?

Their speaking and understanding abilities make the African Grey parrot one of the most popular of parrot breeds. Their ability to mimic voices endears African Grey parrots to their owners, who love to teach them new words. What the owner may not know, however, is that African Grey parrots are able to mimic far more than just the human voice.

On one occasion, as I waited in an airport for a flight, a harried young woman frantically tried to keep a cover on the bird cage she carried. When I inquired about the bird, she said it was an African Grey parrot. Could it talk? Yes, it was very good at talking.

“The trouble,” she said, “is that he can also make very authentic emergency siren sounds and mimic a train clattering down the tracks. He makes such realistic car crash sounds that I sometimes run to the window. I’m afraid he’s going to hear jet engines – and then I will hear jet engine sounds everyday! African Grey parrots are like that.”

African Grey Parrot Description

The African Grey parrot is, as his name says, shades of dark and light grey with white highlights. These parrots have red or maroon tails depending on whether they are Congo African Grey parrots or Timneh African Grey parrots.

1. Congo African Grey parrots are the larger of the two birds. They grow to be about 12 inches long (30 cm). They have light grey feathers, whiteish circles around their eyes, whit highlights on the breast, and bright, cherry red tails. Their beaks are black. A Congo African Grey parrot is often called a “CAG”.

2. Timneh African Grey parrots are somewhat smaller than the CAG. Their gray coloring is more a dark charcoal, and their tails are a darker maroon. People often call a Timneh African Grey Parrot a “TAG”.

The African Grey parrot can be very demanding, so those who decide to buy this breed should be prepared to give them constant attention as they mature, providing challenging toys, playtimes, nutritional food, and a comfortable cage.