Congo African Grey Parrot: Care, Intelligence & Lifespan

Published: 18 Mar 2025

The Congo African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus erithacus), also known as the African Congo Grey, is one of the most intelligent bird species on the planet. Famous for its talking ability, problem-solving skills, and affectionate personality, this Congo African Grey Bird is a popular pet among bird enthusiasts.

However, due to deforestation and illegal wildlife trade, their wild population is declining. Many people ask, “How many African Grey parrots are left in the world?” Sadly, their numbers are decreasing, and conservation efforts are more important than ever.

In this guide, you’ll discover everything about the African Grey Parrot Congo, from its lifespan, intelligence, and diet to its cage requirements, health concerns, and conservation status.

Table of Content

What is a Congo African Grey Parrot?

The Congo African Grey Parrot, sometimes called the African Grey Congo Parrot, is a medium-to-large parrot species native to Africa. It belongs to the Psittacidae family and is closely related to the Timneh African Grey Parrot.

Key Features of the Congo Grey African Parrot

✔ Scientific Name: Psittacus erithacus
✔ Size: 12 to 14 inches (30-35 cm)
✔ Weight: 400 to 600 grams
✔ Feather Color: Light grey with a striking red tail
✔ Beak: Large, curved, and jet black
✔ Eye Color: Changes from dark grey (young) to yellow (adult)
✔ Lifespan: 50-60 years in captivity with proper care

This bird is often confused with the Timneh Grey Parrot, but the Congo African Grey Parrot is larger and has a brighter red tail and a black beak.

💡 Fun Fact: The African Grey Congo Bird is one of the few bird species that can associate words with meanings rather than just mimic sounds!

Where Do Congo African Grey Parrots Live?

The Congo African Grey Bird is found in the tropical rainforests of Central and West Africa, including:

📍 Gabon
📍 Cameroon
📍 Democratic Republic of Congo
📍 Ivory Coast
📍 Uganda

Natural Habitat of the Congo Grey Parrots

✔ Lives in dense rainforests, mangroves, and wooded savannas
✔ Roosts in large flocks for safety
✔ Travels long distances daily to search for food

💡 Did You Know? The Congo African Grey Parrots play a crucial role in their ecosystem by spreading seeds that help plants grow!

Physical Characteristics of the Congo African Grey Parrot

The Congo African Grey Parrot is easily recognizable due to its distinctive features.

Main Physical Traits of the Congo African Grey Bird

✔ Feather Color: Light grey body with darker wings
✔ Tail: Vibrant red tail (key feature of Congo African Grey Parrots)
✔ Beak: Large, curved, and solid black
✔ Feet: Zygodactyl toes (two forward, two backward) for strong grip
✔ Eye Color: Dark grey when young, turns yellow in adults

💡 Interesting Fact: The Congo Grey Parrots can turn their heads nearly 180 degrees, giving them a wider field of vision!

How Smart Are Congo African Grey Parrots?

The Congo African Grey Parrot is considered one of the smartest birds in the world!

Why Are Congo Grey Parrots So Intelligent?

✔ Can mimic up to 1,000 words
✔ Understands context rather than just repeating words
✔ Can count, recognize shapes, and solve puzzles

Famous Congo Grey Parrots

📌 Alex the Parrot – Dr. Irene Pepperberg’s Congo Grey learned over 100 words and understood complex concepts like colors and numbers.
📌 Einstein the Parrot – A World-famous talking African Grey YouTube star known for its talking, mimicking sounds and extensive vocabulary.

💡 Did You Know? The Congo African Grey Parrot can mimic doorbells, ringtones, and even your voice!

Diet and Nutrition of Congo African Grey Parrots

A healthy diet is essential for a long lifespan and strong immune system.

Best Foods for Congo Grey Parrots

✔ Fruits: Apples, bananas, pomegranates
✔ Vegetables: Carrots, spinach, bell peppers
✔ Nuts & Seeds: Almonds, walnuts (in moderation)
✔ Pellets: Specially formulated parrot food

Foods to Avoid 🚫

❌ Chocolate – Toxic to birds
❌ Avocado – Causes heart failure
❌ Caffeine – Dangerous to their nervous system

💡 Tip: A Congo Parrot’s diet should be 70% pellets and fresh food and 30% seeds and nuts.

Lifespan and Health Issues

Proper care and a balanced diet play a crucial role in determining the longevity of Congo African Grey Parrots.

How Long Do Congo African Grey Parrots Live?

A healthy Congo African Grey Bird can live 50-60 years in captivity!

Common Health Problems:

🚑 Feather Plucking – Caused by stress or boredom.
🚑 Vitamin A Deficiency – Leads to respiratory problems.
🚑 Psittacosis (Parrot Fever) – A bacterial infection affecting the lungs.💡 Tip: Regular vet check-ups and proper diet can prevent many health problems.

How Many African Grey Parrots Are Left in the World?

The Congo African Grey Parrot population is rapidly declining due to habitat destruction and the illegal pet trade.

📉 Experts estimate that fewer than 600,000 remain in the wild.
📉 Some regions have seen a 50-90% decline due to poaching.
📉 The species is now listed as “Endangered” by the IUCN.

💡 Important: If illegal trade continues, the Congo African Grey Bird could face extinction in the wild within the next few decades!

Cage and Housing Requirements

The Congo Grey Parrot needs a spacious cage and plenty of enrichment.

Cage Setup:

✔ Minimum size: 36”L x 24”W x 48”H.
✔ Perches: Different thicknesses to prevent foot problems.
✔ Toys: Puzzle toys, chewing toys, and swings.

💡 Tip: Place the cage in a quiet but social area of your home.

Conclusion

The Congo African Grey Parrot is an incredible bird, known for its brilliant intelligence, emotional depth, and remarkable talking ability. However, they require constant attention, a proper diet, and a stimulating environment to stay happy and healthy.

If you’re ready for the lifelong commitment of owning one, this parrot will become your best companion, filling your home with laughter and conversation.

💡 Thinking of getting a Congo African Grey? Explore our detailed guides on parrot training, diet, and health tips! 🚀

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Congo African Grey, with answers to keep your feathered friend safe and healthy!

1. How many African Grey Parrots are left in the world?

Less than 600,000 remain in the wild, and their numbers are rapidly declining due to deforestation, illegal pet trade, and habitat destruction. In some areas, populations have dropped by over 90% in the past few decades, leading to their “Endangered” status on the IUCN Red List.

2. Can Congo Grey Parrots really talk?

Yes! Congo African Grey Parrots are considered one of the best talking birds in the world. They can learn hundreds of words, phrases, and even sentences. Unlike most parrots that mimic sounds, Congo Greys can understand context, associate words with objects, and even respond to questions intelligently.

3. Are Congo African Grey Parrots hard to train?

Not really! Due to their high intelligence, these parrots are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement training. However, they do require patience, consistency, and daily mental stimulation. Training them with treats, toys, and verbal praise is the best way to teach new words and tricks.

4. Do Congo Grey Parrots need a companion?

Yes, they are highly social birds that thrive on interaction and bonding. If left alone for long periods, they can develop stress, anxiety, and even feather-plucking habits. If you cannot spend several hours a day with your parrot, consider getting another bird or providing interactive toys and puzzles to keep them engaged.

5. What do Congo Grey Parrots eat in the wild?

In the wild, these parrots feed on a variety of fruits, seeds, nuts, berries, and flowers. They often forage in groups and prefer foods like palm nuts, figs, and leafy greens. They also consume clay from riverbanks to neutralize toxins in their diet. In captivity, they need a balanced diet with fresh produce and high-quality pellets.

6. Can Congo African Greys recognize their owners?

Absolutely! These parrots form strong emotional bonds with their owners and can recognize their faces, voices, and even moods. They often show affection by calling their owner’s name, mimicking their speech, or responding to their emotions. However, they can also become jealous or moody if they feel neglected.

7. How big should a Congo Grey’s cage be?

The minimum recommended cage size is 36”L x 24”W x 48”H, but the bigger, the better. The cage should have multiple perches, toys, and enough space for them to stretch their wings and climb. Additionally, they need at least 4-5 hours of out-of-cage time daily for exercise and mental stimulation.

8. Do Congo African Greys get bored easily?

Yes, due to their high intelligence, they need constant mental stimulation to prevent boredom. If not engaged, they may develop destructive behaviors like excessive screaming or feather plucking. Providing puzzle toys, talking sessions, and interactive games helps keep them entertained. Some even enjoy listening to music or watching TV!

9. What is the difference between Congo and Timneh Grey Parrots?

The Congo Grey is larger (12-14 inches) with a bright red tail and black beak, while the Timneh Grey is smaller (9-11 inches) with a maroon tail and a horn-colored beak. Timnehs tend to be less anxious and more independent, whereas Congos are more sensitive and require constant attention.

10. Are Congo African Grey Parrots good pets?

Yes, but only for experienced bird owners. They require daily interaction, mental challenges, and a well-balanced diet. If properly cared for, they become loving, loyal, and incredibly entertaining companions. However, they can be demanding, sensitive, and prone to stress, making them unsuitable for beginners or busy individuals.