Out of Africa

B Y J O H N G E A RY

Congo African grey by Bonnie Jay, courtesy PEAC

These birds offer plenty of parrot without all the noise.

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ention “Africa” to most people, and there’s a good chance they’ll conjure up images of lions, rhinos or elephants.

However, say “Africa” to those fortunate enough to share their lives With a parrot that traces its ancestry back to the “Dark Continent,” and visions of Congo greys, Senegals, lovebirds or ringnecks may dance through their heads.

While Africa is home to 23 species of parrots, this article focuses mainly on species commonly kept as companion animals.

AFRICAN GREYS: Intelligent, Sensitive & Vocal The African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) is the largest parrot found in Africa. Wild greys range throughout central and western Africa and can be found in western sections of east African countries. They live in primary and secondary rain forest, forest edges and clearings.

There are two types of African grey parrots. The Congo (P. e. erithacus) is the larger of the two birds. They sport bright red tail feathers and a black beak. The Timneh (P. e. timneh) is smaller, its tail feathers are more of a maroon-gray color, and its beak includes tints of a reddish-beige color. These birds are often less high-strung and more mellow than Congos, while Congos are generally characterized as possessing slightly more intelligence than Timnehs.

Both are incredibly intelligent and require plenty of stimulation, consisting of playtime with their humans and the use of a variety of interesting toys to play with when not interacting with humans. Toys that provide intellectual stimulation are good choices; some greys enjoy untying knotted leather laced through wood and “food” toys like fruit/veggie skewers provide interesting challenges.

African parrots tend to be less demanding and less noisy than birds like cockatoos or Amazons. However, because of their highly intelligent nature, greys require more attention than most of the other African Parrots covered here. They are not always the best choice for a first parrot, unless you are prepared to invest a good deal of time.

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Many people prefer greys as pets because of their ability to imitate human speech. Wild greys communicate through shrill whistles, squawks and screams, and often mimic other birds and mammals. This is evident in many pet parrots, as they imitate cats, chickens, owls and other domestic and wild animals.

Their mimicry talent is not restricted to human speech; greys readily and skillfully imitate many household sounds, including microwaves, telephones, coffee grinders and percolators, computer modems and water faucets, to name just a few. More than any parrot, they seem to use words and sounds in context, rather than just mimic speech.

African greys tend to be moderate-

person. They should be socialized so that they are comfortable with many people handling them, though.

Because wild greys spend more time on the ground than many other wild parrots, they are more vulnerable to predator attack. This may explain why they seem especially sensitive to their environment. They frighten more easily at strange sounds, sights and even strange foods. They seem more rigid in their routines than many parrots, which makes them uncomfortable with change. Don’t allow a grey to stick to a schedule too rigidly. Vary things within a broader pattern, so your bird doesn’t become too inflexible, which can lead to behavior problems later.

African greys have a tendency to

Fischer’s lovebird by Carolyn A. McKeone, courtesy Steve Ogilvie

A single-kept lovebird makes a great pet companion. Consistent interaction and plenty of size-appropriate toys are imperative to keeping your lovebird social and happy.

ly noisy, and generally don’t engage in early morning or early evening screamfests, like some parrot species.

They can be loud though, emitting a shrill, cutting peep if they feel ignored or annoyed. They are not the best choice for apartment dwellers.

While they have a reputation for not being as cuddly as other birds, that may depend on how greys are brought up and who is doing the cuddling. They often cuddle with their favorite person, as they tend to bond strongly with one 74

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feather pick or feather chew, sometimes from boredom, stress or dietary problems. About a third to a half of their diet should consist of a variety of vegetables, both cooked and raw; a third should be formulated pellets and, for the remainder, some nuts, seed and a bit of fresh fruit. Some greys are prone to low blood calcium, so in addition to feeding veggies with plenty of vitamins A, K and E, include calciumrich foods. Good food choices include sweet potatoes, squash, broccoli, green

Greys In The Wild If you’d like to see African parrots in their native habitat try an ecotour. Button Birding offers “Psitta-seek Tours” in southern Africa. Contact Button Birding, P.O. Box 60, Creighton, 3263, South Africa; Malcolm or Gail Gemmell +27 39 8331029/082 789 5000; buttonbirding@futurenet.co.za; www.buttonbirding.com.

Birding Ecotours offers a seven-day excursion to Kwazulu to see cape parrots and roseringed parakeets, with an optional extension to see brownheaded and grey-headed parrots, and a seven-day tour to northern Namibia to see the Ruppell’s parrot and rosy-faced lovebirds. Contact: Chris Lotz +27 72 635 1501; info@birdingecotours.co.za: www.birdingecotours.co.za.

peas, carrots, green beans, almonds, walnuts, apples, cantaloupe, mango and grapes. You can occasionally treat your grey to some rice, pasta or a little lean meat.

The cage should be large enough so that the bird can spread its wings without touching the sides. For an African grey, the minimum requirements are 24 by 24 by 28 inches, with bar spaces no smaller than 3⁄4 of an inch and no larger than 1 inch. Include perches of varying sizes and shapes in the cage.

Horizontal bars on part of the cage are ideal as well so they can climb around — something greys are apt to do in the wild regularly.

POICEPHALUS: Cuddly Clowns, Avid Acrobats Poicephalus parrots range throughout the southern half of the African conti-

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Male moustached parakeet by Eric Ilasenko

Other Psittacula There are several other Asiatic parakeets not found in Africa, including: Derbyan parakeet: Found wild in the Himalayas and southern Tibet.

Captive-bred birds are fairly docile.

They are dedicated chewers and need a steady supply of wood. House them in a 20- by 24-inch cage, with bar spacing of 5⁄8 of an inch.

Plum-headed parakeet: A fairly quiet bird, sometimes intimidated by larger birds.

It may become apathetic in too small a cage. Provide at least a 20-inch by 24-inch cage, with bar spacing of 5⁄8 of an inch.

Moustached parakeet: Like the Derbyan and ringnecks, these birds love to chew. Have lots of wood handy, always. They require a 20- by 24-inch cage, with bar spacing of 5⁄8 of an inch. nent, including as far south as the southeastern tip of South Africa, west to Senegal, and extending as far east as Kenya and north to the Horn of Africa in Somalia. The group includes Senegals, Meyer’s, Jardine’s, red-bellied and brown-headed parrots.

As a group, Poicephalus parrots are not known to be extraordinary talkers but, while they may not turn a phrase as readily as some other species, they certainly make up for it with their “body language.” They are acrobatic and active, somewhat mischievous and usually enjoy exploring their environment.

Meyer’s parrots (P. meyeri) are the smallest of this group, and it’s a tossup between them and Jardine’s parrots as to which is a more popular pet. My Meyer’s enjoy lying on their backs, using their feet to engage in silly activities. They tend to whistle more than they talk. They are affectionate and show little tendency toward aggression, making them a good choice for a home with children, provided the chil76

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dren are not too rambunctious. They also seem to be more willing to meet new people and form multiple relationships than other species.

Senegals (P. senegalus), on the other hand, have a tendency to be one-person birds, forming strong bonds with particular individuals or territories. It may take a while for those bonds to form, however.

Senegals sometimes go through nippy or fearful stages and may not form bonds until they’ve grown out of theses stages — at about 2 years of age.

They are the second most widely available African parrots, only eclipsed by greys.

Red-bellied parrots (P. rufiventris) may be the best talkers of all Poicephalus parrots. They may also be the most shy of the species. You can place little “hide boxes” in their cages to provide extra security for them, but make sure you let a good amount of light into the boxes, or you may inadvertently trigger nesting behavior. Redbellied parrots are sexually dimorphic

— that is, the male and female of the species display different feather colors and can be visually sexed.

As with all parrots, exceptions to these general rules always exist. Lisa Szumita, a parrot lover in Utah, counts a Meyer’s and red-bellied parrot among her flock. She says the reverse is true with both her birds when it comes to talking.

“Tinker, my Meyer’s, actually talks better than Squeaker, my red-bellied parrot,” she said, “even though it’s supposed to be the other way around.”

She says both are cuddly, although her 2-year-old Meyer’s is currently going through a nippy stage. “Tinker’s right in the middle of it, Squeaker went through it, too, at about the same age, but he grew out of it.”

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For more information about African parrots, consider joining or contacting one of the following organizations: African Parrot Society P.O. Box 204, Clarina, IA 51632-0204 www.wingscc.com/aps/ Default.htm African Lovebird Society Agapornis World (African Love Bird Society-WS) P.O. Box 142, San Marcos, CA 92079-0142 www.africanlovebirdsociety.com Asiatic Parrot Association 4542 E. Tropicana Ave., Rm. 330, Las Vegas, NV 89121 www.asiaticparrots.com Asiatic Breeders Association 5932 Clapp Homestead Rd., Sun Sites, AZ 85625 www.drzoolittle.net/ABA.html

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Red-bellied and Senegal parrots by Carolyn A. McKeone, courtesy Kathy Killaire

Jardine’s parrots (P. gulielmi) display good talking potential. They are capable of developing large vocabularies and are almost grey-like in their abilities to imitate sounds. They are also accomplished whistlers and generally even-tempered.

Jardine’s can develop vitamin-A deficiency more easily than other parrots. They also tend to suffer overgrown beaks. You can counter the former problem with proper diet, the latter by making sure they have a constant supply of wood toys to chew. If either becomes a problem, see an avian

veterinarian as soon as possible.

Brown-headed parrots (P. cryptoxanthus) boast a lot of “leasts.” Of all the Poicephalus parrots, they are the least available as captive-bred birds; they are often the least expensive; and they tend to be the least likely to bite, as they sport a reputation as the mildest-tempered Poicephalus parrots.

Despite their activity, Poicephalus 78

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parrots tend to gain weight easily, so the usual diet rules for parrots are even more important in order to avoid obesity. Veggies should make up 30 to 50 percent of their diet, particularly veggies that contain high amounts of vitamins A, K and E. This includes sweet potatoes, broccoli, carrots and squash.

Peas and green beans are also good choices. Corn is not a good choice, as it is low in the nutrients, but high in calories. (These little scamps get pudgy pretty easily, remember?) Another third of the diet should consist of pelleted formula. The remainder can

avoided. The cages should be made of a sturdy finish such as steel, brass or chrome-plate, as active Poicephalus parrots can chew off the paint and even swallow it. Powder-coated cages are fine.

LOVEBIRDS: Rainbow Birds Of Africa

Agapornis, or lovebirds, range almost as far throughout Africa as do Poicephalus, although their occurrence is restricted to smaller areas in west, central, northeast and southern Africa.

Although they are small, lovebirds are parrots, so anyone sharing his or her life with these little bundles of dynamite The Poicephalus genus is a closely related should be aware they are group of birds, with similar temperaments intelligent and, like other and requirements. The red-bellied parrot parrots, they can be headand Senegal parrot are among the smaller strong; just because they are Poicephalus, with a length of about 9 inches. small does not mean they are “low maintenance.”

Lovebird species are characterized by small, stocky bodies, a short, blunt tail and a beak that is proportionally large compared to to the rest of the body.

One thing that attracts people to lovebirds is the incredible array of colors their feathers attain, even varying within a species as a mutation, something common in lovebirds.

Aside from color, another appealing aspect is their quiet demeanor, which makes them ideal pets for apartment dwellers concerned about noise. They have a distinct high-pitched include fruits like papaya, mangos, call, but it is rarely loud enough to irricantaloupes, bananas, grapes and tate most people. apples, as well as some nuts, like One myth that should be shot down almonds, walnuts and pine nuts. Rice, is the notion that lovebirds have to be potato pasta, chicken and lean meat kept in pairs to be healthy and happy. are well-received treats.

This is not true, and many single loveCage dimensions for Poicephalus birds live happy, healthy lives with parrots should be about 20 by 20 by 28 their human(s).

3 inches, with a ⁄4-inch space between These birds are not known for their talking ability, although they can the bars. Round cages should be

mimic sounds and even human voices.

When they do talk “human,” their voices tend to be low and somewhat hoarse-sounding, so they may be difficult to understand.

Lovebirds tend to be more territorial than other parrot species and some may demonstrate increased aggression during mating season when their hormones kick in.

“I like to call them ‘spicy,’” said Charlene Beane, a bird breeder from California and editor of the African Parrot Society’s journal, African Ark. “They are assertive. They don’t know they’re small, and they’re very aggressive.”

This aggression can take the form of possessiveness around the cage or anything they perceive to be their territory.

To reduce the possibility of territoriality, make sure nothing in their cage can be perceived as a nest box, which increases nesting behavior.

When selecting a lovebird, one that is already calm and willing to be handled is the ideal companion. Promises that an excitable bird will “calm down with time” often never pan out.

Males are generally easier to keep than females, but females usually develop into better talkers. Males are thought to be more forward and curious, and they also have been known to pluck their mates’ feathers during breeding season.

Lovebirds can have short attention spans, so a number of short play sessions or interactions may work better than longer ones.

Their cages should be large enough for them to flap their wings comfortably — about 18 by 18 by 18 inches for a single lovebird — with bar spacing of between 1⁄2 to 5⁄8 of an inch. If you have a pair of birds, the cage dimensions should be at least 30 by 30 by 18 inches. They love to climb, so make sure your cage has some horizontal bars that allow them to engage in this exercise. Also include a swing or two among their cage toys.

Lovebirds need a varied diet consisting of a good quality small hookbill seed mix, some fresh and cooked veggies,

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One myth that should be shot down is the notion that lovebirds have to be kept in pairs to be healthy and happy. cockatiel- or parakeet-sized pellets, some grains and fruit treats like figs, apples and pears. Be sure any figs you feed them are sulfite-free.

Do not feed these birds (or any parrot) grit. Some people make the mistake of thinking small birds need grit.

(Doves, pigeons and other birds that swallow seeds whole need grit to aid in digestion. Birds that crack the seeds, including lovebirds, don’t require grit.)

Grit may interfere with their ability to digest their food.

Distinguishing Characteristics Among Agapornis Peach-faced lovebirds (Agapornis roseicollis) can make excellent pets, as they tend to be loyal and affectionate.

These showoffs love to play, especially to an audience. Noise is rarely a problem. “I consider them to have the best pet potential of the lovebirds,” said Beane.

Fischer’s lovebirds (A. fischeri) make lively pets. Their calls can be quite high-pitched. They are smaller than masked lovebirds, but also tend to be more aggressive.

Hand-fed masked lovebirds (A. personata) can be tame and make affectionate pets. They are occasionally confused with the black-cheeked lovebird, which is a different species.

Masked lovebirds have a full brownish-brown mask covering the crowns of their heads. Black-cheeked lovebirds do not have dark colors on their crowns.

Abyssinian lovebirds (A. taranta) have a different call than other lovebirds. They produce a rough-sounding, soft chirp. They are also sexually dimorphic, meaning the males and 80

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females display different coloring.

Abyssinians are not commonly kept as pets.

PSITTACULA: To Talk Or Not To Talk ...

These parrots range through Asia as well as Africa. (See sidebar for details on other Asiatic parakeets kept as companion birds.)

There are two species found in Africa: the African ring-necked parakeet (P. krameri); and the echo or Mauritius parakeet (P. mauritius). P. mauritius is not usually kept as a pet and is rare in the wild, when it is found at all on the island of Mauritius.

Aviculturists differ as to whether the African ringnecks and Indian ringnecks are different species, subspecies or races whose differences are due to geographical differences. The African ringneck has been referred to as P. krameri krameri, with the Indian ringneck designated P. krameri manillensis. They’ve also both been referred to as P. krameri. Together, ringnecks range in a narrow belt across tropical north Africa and into much of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Burma, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.

One common physical characteristic of this group, often referred to as Asiatic parrots or parakeets, is a long tail. Depending on the species, their tails can be up to 18 inches long, while the parrot itself may only be a foot long.

Most Asiatic parakeets are considered to possess moderate to good talking abilities. They tend to be more independent than other parrots, but they still enjoy interacting with, and being talked to, by humans. They generally respond to handling and can

become more affectionate with increased handling.

In terms of food, Penny Anderlini, a Vancouver, B.C. bird breeder, finds most Psittacula are not usually fussy.

They enjoy most fresh and cooked vegetables, and fruit. Include a good quality of seed mix in their diet as well.

With ringnecks, you may need to alter their seed mix a little, as they may not be able to crack some of the harder items other parrots can crack.

“I feed them the same basic diet as other parrots,” said Anderlini, “except they cannot crack dried corn, beans, peas and that type of material in their mixture.”

The African ring-necked parakeet is not kept as a pet as commonly as some other Asiatics, like the Alexandrine (P. eupatria) or Indian ringneck, although like other parrots — given the proper conditions and upbringing — it can make a good pet.

They are hardy chewers, so keep them supplied with plenty of wood.

They really seem to enjoy bathing

Resources To learn more about African parrots, the following books may be helpful: PARROTS: A Guide to Parrots of the World by Tony Juniper and Mike Parr (Yale University Press, ISBN 0-300-07453-0) THE AFRICAN GREY PARROT HANDBOOK by Mattie Sue Athan and Dianalee Deter (Barron’s, ISBN 0-7641-0993-6) GUIDE TO THE SENEGAL PARROT AND ITS FAMILY by Mattie Sue Athan and Dianalee Deter (Barron’s, ISBN 0-76410332-6) THE LOVEBIRD HANDBOOK

by Vera Appleyard (Barron’s, ISBN 0-7641-1827-7) FOR THE LOVE OF GREYS by Bobbi Brinker

and/or being misted with water.

African ringnecks are smaller than Indian ringnecks, and the African ringneck’s beak is dark rather than orange like the Indians ringneck’s. African ringnecks only display green colors, while Indians can display as many as 40 different colors.

While not enjoying as renowned a reputation for talking as other species, Indian ringnecks can develop fairly extensive vocabularies. Beane calls them the “poor man’s African grey.”

Anderlini echoes that. “They can talk very well, and they understand what they’re saying,” she said.

Joyce Baum, vice president of the Asiatic Breeders Association, says her experience has taught her that most of the Asiatics can be better talkers than their reputations imply. “However, other breeders have had the opposite experience, so it is difficult to generalize that they, as a species, are good or poor talkers,” she points out.

Ringnecks should be kept in cages at least 20 by 24 inches, with bar spacing of 1⁄2 to 5⁄8 of an inch.

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Realistic Expectations While each species of African parrot displays its own characteristics and similar behaviors within a species, keep in mind that there will always be exceptions to many of the stereotypes we associate with each species. Not all greys are shy and not every Poicephalus will become a daring acrobat.

Whether you choose a grey, a lovebird, a Poicephalus or a ringneck as a companion, you owe it to your bird to learn as much as possible about it to give it a rich, healthy life. Accept your bird on its own terms and love it for what it is, not what you would like it to be. ■ John Geary is a Vancouver-based freelance writer and photographer, a PIJACcertified Avian Specialist and member of the African Parrot Society. He lives with two Congo African greys, Nikki and Coco.

When he traveled in Africa several years ago, he didn’t see any parrots, but hopes to rectify that in his next trip there.

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