Category: Birds

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Timneh African Greys

While, at a glance, the Timneh African Grey may look very similar to a Congo African Grey, there are a few noticeable differences to look for to tell them apart. In a side-by-side comparison the Timnehs are much smaller in size. The grey on their back and wings is also darker, as well as the tail feathers which are dark maroon instead of red. Even the beaks have a slight difference! Timnehs have a beige-to-black upper mandible as seen in the picture on the right. These Greys are native to West Africa, but they do not share a geographic range with the Congo Greys.

The Timneh African Greys are overshadowed by the larger Congo African Greys, and some people assume that they are not as good at talking or mimicking, but that is not the case. The Timnehs can be of equal intelligence given the right learning environment and stimulation. As far as personalities go, Timneh African Greys may be less anxious, more adaptable to environmental changes, and more playful or hands on than some Congos. It is important to remember that each bird is an individual, just like people are, and that they have their own personalities and moods. A conservative life span for these birds can be up to 40 years or more.

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Congo African Greys

Easily one of the most recognizable parrots thanks to the ever-popular Alex and Einstein, Congo African Greys are known for their intelligence, ability to learn large vocabularies, and clear speaking ability. They are also easily identified by their all grey coloration and bright red tail feathers. Some Congos are very light, and silvery in appearance while others are dark grey. These medium-sized parrots are native to a range in mid-Africa, where they are becoming increasingly endangered.

Compared to other parrots of similar size, like Amazons and medium-sized Cockatoos, Greys are not usually considered to be loud birds. Their natural sounds can be grunts and screeches but they can easily learn high-pitched whistles, beeps, alarms, and other sound effects!

Some Congo African Greys can be sensitive to their environment. Whether anxious by nature or a product of their intelligence, they can be prone to feather picking and over-preening. It is important to house them in an appropriate size cage and stimulate them with a variety of foraging toys, food and treat finding games, and cognitive activities to keep them busy. While Congo Greys aren’t known for their snuggly temperaments, some love a good neck scratch and enjoy human companionship and interaction- even if it isn’t as hands-on. A conservative life span for these birds can be 45 – 55 years or more.

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Indian Ringnecks

These beautiful long-tailed parakeets are also known as Rose-ringed Parakeets. They are native to Africa and Asia, primarily around India where they are a common sight. In the wild they are bright green, with blue primaries and tail feathers, and a striking red beak. Their name comes from the male’s black and pink ring around the neck which begins to grow in between 1 and 2 years of age. This species is sexually dimorphic, meaning you can tell the males and females apart visually. The female Indian Ringnecks do not get a black and pink collar.

While Ringnecks are not always cuddly birds, they are usually very talkative and engaging with their owners, able to have clear vocabularies and a good ability to learn tricks. Some young Ringnecks go through a bluffing stage, and during this time it is important to continue to work with your bird daily using positive reinforcement and socialization.

The popularity of these birds as pets is increasing, but it is important to keep in mind they can be screechy, and do require a generous cage size to accommodate their long tails and high activity level. Their are also a few color mutations now beyond the wild-type green, such as: blue, grey, yellow, and even violet. With appropriate diet and exercise, these parrots have an average lifespan of about 25 years.

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Lineolated Parrots

Lineolated parrots are small, round, heavy-bodied parrots, originating from Southern Mexico to the Northwest countries of South America. Their natural color is vibrant green, with black stripe-like markings running horizontally along the back and the wings. With increasing popularity though, many other color morphs are now available like: lutino, grey, cobalt, and some that are have minimal pattern. Males and females are visually very similar. They have an average lifespan of about 12 years.

While similar in size to lovebirds, “linnies” have very different proportions and physical traits- most notably their distinctive pointed tail. They are popular due to their generally calm, quiet, and friendly dispositions, but can make louder ‘beeping’ noises when calling or startled. Some males have been know to talk if taught young and with repetition.

There are many particular quirks which make lineolateds entertaining, such as their bathing habits. They usually prefer a spray bottle on a mist setting, and will hang upside-down with their wings fanned out. Although not as destructive as other birds, many enjoy tents for playing and sleeping in.