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African Grey Parrot

Psittacus erithacus

Quick Facts

Scientific name: Psittacus erithacus
Weight: 1 pound
Life span: 20 years
Number of offspring: 2 or 3 eggs
Class: Bird
Conservation status: Endangered

About

I live in west and central africa

African grey parrots are native to west and central Africa where they enjoy flying in both the rainforests and savanna grasslands.


I am an herbivore

This species enjoys a diet of seeds, nuts, fruits, berries, and vegetation.


African Grey Parrots are social

Imagine having over a thousand members in your household! African gray parrots are highly social and tend to nest in large groups, which can be as large as 1,000 individuals.


My red feathers have a purpose

Though they may look pretty, the bright red feathers help this species distract predators! When a predator spots this parrot, it will see the bright red feather first. If they pull out the red feather, it doesn’t harm the bird and instead give the parrot time to fly away to safety.


Helping African Grey Parrots in the wild

The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo supports World Parrot Trust, an organization conducting groundbreaking research, hands-on conservation programs, habitat protection, community education, and advocating for better protection of this species from illegal pet trade.


I am important to my ecosystem

These parrots play an important role in their ecosystem by helping propagate the forest. By spreading and dropping undigested seeds, they help colonize new areas of the forest and create new homes for other species.

Conservation

Learn more about our efforts, our conservation partners around the world, and the simple steps you can take to contribute.

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