African Grey Parrot

Le African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus) is one of the smartest birds in the world. Native to Central and Western Africa, it lives mainly in tropical rainforests, mangroves and sometimes wooded areas close to homes. The species is now classified Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List.

Its plumage is mostly ashy gray, with a very characteristic bright red tail. Its clear eyes and powerful black beak give it an instantly recognisable expression. This simple appearance contrasts with his remarkable cognitive abilities.

The African Grey Parrot is a nocturnal and very sociable bird. In the wild, it lives in groups and constantly communicates with its congeners. Her diet consists of fruits, seeds, nuts, buds, and sometimes flowers. It plays an important role in seed dispersal, contributing to forest renewal.

This parrot is particularly well known for its ability to imitate voices. Unlike other species, it doesn't just repeat sounds. He is able to associate them with specific situations. This intelligence also makes it a fragile species, highly sought after by illegal trade.

At the Guadeloupe Zoo, Le African Grey Parrot makes it possible to address issues related to the protection of exotic birds, alongside species such as the Cuban Amazon, the military macaw or the blue macaw.