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.