If you are looking for a medium, compact parrot with an even disposition and playful personality, the Jardine’s Parrots are a good place to start. When young, they are primarily green and black which run into a scalloped pattern on the wings and back. As they mature, they grow a pop of orange or red color on their forehead and shoulders. This is usually not completely grown-in until 4 to 6 years of age. Males and females will look alike.
Jardine’s are one of the larger species in the Poicephalus genus, and are related to Senegals, Red Bellied Parrots, and a few other species originating in Africa. There are 3 subspecies: the Greater, the Lesser, and the Black-wing. These can be difficult to tell apart, but there are a few clues to look for:
The talking and mimicking ability of the Jardine’s is fair, they usually like to pick up sounds and are very good at whistles. They can be affectionate, bowing their head for neck rubs, and some will enjoying playing on their back and wrestling with balls and foot toys. Jardine’s can also play independently on playstands, or in their cage with other toys- not have to rely on constant attention.
Jardine’s are a parrot that may be apartment friendly as they are not constantly loud vocalizers. But with any parrot there is always the potential for noise! The lifespan can range from 25-30 years or more.