The African Grey Parrot Psittacus erithacus, is found in the primary and secondary forests of West and Central Africa. They feed primarily on palm nuts, seeds, fruits and leafy matter. Their overall gentle nature and their inclination and ability to mimic speech have made them popular pets. This has led to thousands/millions being captured illegally in the wild and sold into the pet trade. They are listed on CITES appendix II, because the wild populations cannot sustain the trapping for the pet trade.

There are two subspecies: -

• Congo African Grey Parrot Psittacus erithacus erithacus

  This is the nominate subspecies, larger than the Timneh at about 33 cm (13 in) long, with light grey feathers, cherry red tails, and an all black beak.  

• Timneh African Grey Parrot Psittacus erithacus timneh

  These are smaller in size, have a darker charcoal grey colouring, a darker maroon tail, and a light, horn-coloured area to part of the upper mandible. The timneh grey parrot is endemic to the western parts of the moist Upper Guinea forests and bordering savannas of West Africa.