African grey – Our Feathered Friends

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.

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.