Grey-Headed Parrot
Description
The grey-headed parakeet (Psittacula finschii) is closely related to the slaty-headed parakeet which together form a super-species. It is found in Southeast Asia from north-eastern India to Vietnam.
The binomial of this bird commemorates the German naturalist and explorer Otto Finsch.
Its face is grey/green, and the rest of its head is dull green with faint pale green band below cheeks to hindcrown and its wing are patch absent and has a long tail.
Scientific Name
Poicephalus Fuscicollis Suahelicus
Country Of Origin
Size
Life Expectancy
Noise Level
Moderate
Talk / Trick Ability
Excellent
Characteristics
Grey-headed parrots are sometimes known as Cape parrots, unCape parrots and brown-necked parrots. The grey-headed parrot is a subspecies of the brown-necked parrot, Poicephalus fuscicollis (it is generally believed by experts that the brown-necked parrot is not found in U.S. aviculture). The grey-headed parrot is the largest Poicephalus parrot.
The grey-headed parrots’ intelligence and vocal ability has been compared to that of the African grey parrots. The grey-headed parrot has a light silvery colored head and its bib is less pronounced than the brown-necked parrot. Grey-headed parrots are extremely intelligent birds that can learn to speak very well. Although their large, powerful beaks are capable of cracking any nut, those who own grey-headed parrots as a pet note that they very rarely bite and are great companion pet birds.
Behavior / Health Concerns
Grey-headed parrots are quite large, and needed large living spaces and plenty of opportunity for exercise. Grey-headed parrots need plenty of bird-safe toys and materials to keep them entertained.
Expert Advice
“[Grey-headed parrots] are an almost unknown species of parrot, often called ‘Gentle Giants’ — smart as an African grey and cuddly as a cockatoo.”
Craig Harris (www.capeparrot.org)