Editing Psittacus

{{Short description|Genus of birds}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2021}}
{{Automatic taxobox
| image = Psittacus erithacus -perching on tray-8d.jpg
| image_caption = [[Grey parrot]]
| image2 = Psittacus erithacus timneh-parrot on cage.jpg
| image2_caption = [[Timneh parrot]]
| taxon = Psittacus
| authority = [[Carl Linnaeus|Linnaeus]], [[10th edition of Systema Naturae|1758]] 
| type_species = ''Psittacus erithacus'' ([[grey parrot]])
| type_species_authority = [[Carl Linnaeus|Linnaeus]], [[10th edition of Systema Naturae|1758]]
| subdivision_ranks = Species
| subdivision = *''[[Grey parrot|P. erithacus]]''
*''[[Timneh parrot|P. timneh]]''
}}

'''''Psittacus''''' is a genus of African grey parrots in the subfamily [[Psittacinae]]. It contains two species: the [[grey parrot]] (''Psittacus erithacus'') and the [[Timneh parrot]] (''Psittacus timneh'').

For many years, the [[grey parrot]] and [[Timneh parrot]] were classified as subspecies; the former as the nominate, the latter as ''P. e. timneh''. However, in 2012 the taxa were recognized as separate species by [[BirdLife International]] on the basis of genetic, morphological, plumage and vocal differences.<ref>{{cite web|title=Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus) has been split into grey parrot (P. erithacus) and Timneh grey parrot (P. timneh): are both eligible for uplisting?|url=http://www.birdlife.org/globally-threatened-bird-forums/2011/06/grey-parrot-psittacus-erithacus-has-been-split-into-grey-parrot-p-erithacus-and-timneh-grey-parrot-p-timneh-are-both-eligible-for-uplisting/|publisher=BirdLife International (2011)|access-date=27 March 2014|date=2011-06-12}}</ref><ref name=birdlife>{{cite web|title=Trade in Africa's Grey Parrots and Timneh Parrots is currently not sustainable|url=http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/sowb/casestudy/568|publisher=BirdLife International|access-date=27 March 2014}}</ref>

These parrots are found in the primary and secondary [[rainforest]] of West and [[Central Africa]]. They are among the most [[Bird intelligence|intelligent birds]] in the world. They feed primarily on palm nuts, seeds, fruits, and leafy matter, but have also been observed eating snails. Their inclination and ability to mimic speech and other sounds have made them popular pets.

==Taxonomy==
The [[genus]] ''Psittacus'' was introduced in 1758 by the Swedish naturalist [[Carl Linnaeus]] in the [[10th edition of Systema Naturae|tenth edition]] of his ''[[Systema Naturae]]''.<ref>{{cite book | last=Linnaeus | first=Carl | author-link=Carl Linnaeus | year=1758 | title= Systema Naturae per regna tria naturae, secundum classes, ordines, genera, species, cum characteribus, differentiis, synonymis, locis | volume=1 | edition=10th | page=96 | publisher=Laurentii Salvii | location=Holmiae (Stockholm) | language=Latin | url=https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/727003 }}</ref> The genus name is [[Latin]] for "parrot".<ref>{{cite book | last=Jobling | first=James A. | year=2010| title=The Helm Dictionary of Scientific Bird Names | publisher=Christopher Helm | location=London | isbn=978-1-4081-2501-4 | page=332 }}</ref> Linnaeus included all 37 of the then-known parrots in the genus and of these [[George Robert Gray]] designated the [[grey parrot]] (''Psittacus erithacus'') as the [[type species]].<ref>{{ cite book | last=Gray | first=George Robert | author-link=George Robert Gray | year=1840 | title=A List of the Genera of Birds : with an Indication of the Typical Species of Each Genus | location=London | publisher=R. and J.E. Taylor | page=52 | url=https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/13668969 }}</ref><ref>{{ cite book | editor-last=Peters | editor-first=James Lee | editor-link=James L. Peters | year=1937 | title=Check-List of Birds of the World | volume=3 | publisher=Harvard University Press | location=Cambridge, Massachusetts  | page=229 | url=https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/page/14477944 }}</ref>

===Species===
The genus now contains only two species:<ref name=ioc>{{cite web| editor1-last=Gill | editor1-first=Frank | editor1-link=Frank Gill (ornithologist) | editor2-last=Donsker | editor2-first=David | editor3-last=Rasmussen | editor3-first=Pamela | editor3-link=Pamela Rasmussen | date=July 2021 | title=Parrots, cockatoos | work=IOC World Bird List Version 11.2 | url=https://www.worldbirdnames.org/bow/parrots/ | publisher=International Ornithologists' Union | access-date=9 August 2021 }}</ref>
{{Species table |genus= Psittacus  |authority-name=[[Carl Linnaeus|Linnaeus]] |authority-year=[[10th edition of Systema Naturae|1758]] |species-count=two|no-note=y|narrow-percent=75}}

{{Species table/row
|name=Grey parrot, Congo grey parrot, African grey parrot, Congo African grey parrot|binomial=[[Psittacus erithacus]]
|image=File:African Grey Parrot RWD2.jpg|image-size=180px |image-alt=
|authority-name=Linnaeus |authority-year=1758 |authority-not-original=
|range= The islands of [[Príncipe]] and [[Bioko]], and is distributed from southeastern [[Ivory Coast]] to western [[Kenya]], northwest [[Tanzania]], southern [[Democratic Republic of the Congo]] (DRC), and northern [[Angola]]. 
|range-image=File:Psittacus erithacus range.png
|range-image-size=180px
|size=This is the nominate species, larger than the Timneh at about {{convert|33|cm|in|0|abbr=on}} long, with light-grey feathers, cherry-red tails, and an all-black beak.<ref name="Forshaw78">Forshaw & Cooper (1978).</ref> Immature birds of this species have tails with a darker, duller red towards the tip (Juniper and Parr 1999) until their first moult, which occurs by 18 months of age. These birds also initially have grey [[iris (anatomy)|iris]]es, which change to a pale yellow color by the time the bird is a year old. In aviculture, it is often called a "CAG".
|habitat=
|hunting=
|iucn-status= EN
|population=
|direction=
|subspecies=
}}

{{Species table/row
|name=Timneh parrot, Timneh African grey parrot |binomial=[[Psittacus timneh]]
|image=File:Psittacus erithacus timneh - standing on cage.jpg|image-size=180px |image-alt=
|authority-name=Fraser |authority-year=1844 |authority-not-original=
|range= Endemic to the western parts of the moist Upper Guinea forests and bordering savannas of West Africa from [[Guinea-Bissau]], Sierra Leone, and southern [[Mali]] east to at least {{convert|70|km|mi|0|abbr=on}} east of the [[Bandama River]] in [[Ivory Coast]].
|range-image=File:Timnehdist.gif
|range-image-size=180px
|size= The Timneh parrot is slightly smaller in size than the Congo grey parrot, but intelligence and talking ability remain comparable. They can range from about 22–28&nbsp;cm in total length, and are considered a medium size parrot. The Timneh has a darker charcoal grey coloring, a darker maroon tail, and a light, horn-coloured area to part of the upper mandible. It is often called a "TAG". As pets, Timnehs usually begin learning to speak earlier than greys as they mature slightly earlier. The Timneh also has a reputation of being less nervous around strangers and novel situations than the grey, but whether this is true or not is still debated. In 2012, BirdLife International gave the Timneh parrot full species status<ref>{{cite web|title=Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus) has been split into Grey Parrot (P. erithacus) and Timneh Grey Parrot (P. timneh): are both eligible for uplisting?|url=http://www.birdlife.org/globally-threatened-bird-forums/2011/06/grey-parrot-psittacus-erithacus-has-been-split-into-grey-parrot-p-erithacus-and-timneh-grey-parrot-p-timneh-are-both-eligible-for-uplisting/|publisher=BirdLife International (2011)|access-date=18 June 2012|date=12 June 2011}}</ref> and it was classified as [[vulnerable species|vulnerable]].<ref name="Recently recategorised species">{{cite web|title=Recently recategorised species|url=http://www.birdlife.org/action/science/species/global_species_programme/whats_new.html|publisher=BirdLife International (2012)|access-date=18 June 2012}}</ref>
|habitat=
|hunting=
|iucn-status= EN
|population=
|direction=
|subspecies={{Collapsible list |expand=yes |title=Two subspecies |bullets=on
| ''P. t. timneh'' [[Louis Fraser|Fraser]], 1844 
| ''P. t. princeps'' [[Boyd Alexander|Alexander]], 1909
}}
}}

{{Species table/end}}


Some aviculturalists recognize third and fourth species, but these are not distinguishable in scientific studies.<ref name="wingscentral1">{{cite web|url=http://www.wingscentral.org/aps/Grey7.aspx|title=An Introduction and Overview of the African Species|access-date=26 November 2007|publisher=Wings Computer Consulting Inc.|year=2006|author=Jean Pattison|work=Wings Central|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071028182731/http://www.wingscentral.org/aps/Grey7.aspx|archive-date=28 October 2007|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Behavior and ecology==
===Breeding===
Grey parrots are [[monogamy in animals|monogamous]] breeders which nests in tree cavities. The hen lays 3-5 eggs, which she incubates for 30 days while being fed by her mate. Young leave the nest at the age of 12 weeks. Little is known about the courtship behaviour of this species in the wild.<ref name=adw>{{cite web|last=Holman|first=Rachel|title=Psittacus erithacus|url=http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/accounts/Psittacus_erithacus/|publisher=Animal Diversity Web|access-date=18 March 2014}}</ref>

===Longevity===
<!-- To be expanded into a 'life history' section with nesting/breeding/juvenile bird/sexual maturity/etc. info? -->
Like many large parrots, greys are [[longevity|long-lived]] birds. The Animal Ageing and Longevity Database states the longest reliably recorded longevity for the species in captivity as 49.7 years. Also acknowledged are claims of captive grey parrots reaching the ages of 73 and 93,<ref name=anage>{{cite web|title=Longevity, ageing, and life history of Psittacus erithacus|url=http://genomics.senescence.info/species/entry.php?species=Psittacus_erithacus|publisher=The Animal Ageing and Longevity Database|access-date=7 September 2011}}</ref> whereas the [[World Parrot Trust]] lists a longevity of 50–60 years for a grey in captivity.<ref name=wpt>{{cite web|title=Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus) {{!}} Parrot Care|url=http://www.parrots.org/index.php/encyclopedia/captivestatus/grey_parrot/|publisher=World Parrot Trust|access-date=7 September 2011}}</ref> The [[Guinness Book of World Records]] listed a grey parrot that allegedly lived in captivity for 72 years as the longest-lived specimen for the species.<ref name = "Wood">{{cite book | author = Wood, Gerald | url = https://archive.org/details/guinnessbookofan00wood | title = The Guinness Book of Animal Facts and Feats | year = 1983 | publisher = Guinness Superlatives | isbn = 978-0-85112-235-9 }}</ref>

===Illness and disease===
<!-- To discuss illness and diseases -->
The grey parrot (''Psittacus erithacus'') has been known at times to contract a non-infectious inflammatory lung disease called lipid pneumonia. Lipid pneumonia can be classified as exogenous or endogenous depending on whether or not the animal inhaled outside material.  A necropsy shows that the lungs of a grey parrot with endogenous lipid pneumonia (EnLP) are firm with a diffuse grey discoloration.  EnLP is a common illness in other animals as well.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Costa|first=T |display-authors=etal |title=Endogenous Lipid Pneumonia in an African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus erithacus)|journal=Journal of Comparative Pathology|date=Aug–Oct 2013|volume=149|issue=2–3|pages=381–384|doi=10.1016/j.jcpa.2013.01.008|pmid=23582929}}</ref> The grey parrot is also one of the three parrots that scientists found to commonly suffer from dehydration.  Scientists have used plasma osmolality to find more information about the form of dehydration grey parrots have.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Beaufrere|first=Hugues |display-authors=etal |title=Plasma Osmolality Reference Values in African Grey Parrots (Psittacus erithacus erithacus), Hispaniolan Amazon Parrots (Amazona ventralis), and Red-fronted Macaws (Ara rubrogenys)|journal=Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery|date=June 2011|volume=25|issue=2|pages=91–96|doi=10.1647/2010-015.1|pmid=21877445|s2cid=33399471 }}</ref> Another disease that the grey parrots get is cardiomyopathy, which is a heart disease usually presented at a young age. The cause is having parents of the same breed. Some other common symptoms in these birds are weakness, coelomic cavity, and retardation.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Juan-Salles|first=c |display-authors=etal |title=Congestive Heart Failure in 6 African Grey Parrots (Psittacus e erithacus)|journal=Veterinary Pathology|date=May 2011|volume=48|issue=3|pages=691–697|doi=10.1177/0300985810377071|pmid=20660943|s2cid=25359919 }}</ref> The grey parrot has been known to contract beak and feather disease virus (BFDV) which causes a highly contagious, and sometimes fatal, psittacine beak and feather disease in parrots.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Julian|first=Laurel|title=Extensive recombination detected among beak and feather disease virus isolates from breeding facilities in Poland|journal=Journal of General Virology |year=2013|volume=94|issue=Pt 5|pages=1086–1095|doi=10.1099/vir.0.050179-0|pmid=23324468|hdl=10566/3381|doi-access=free|hdl-access=free}}</ref> In a PCR-based study, Chlamydiosis, an infectious disease of avians, was found to infect the grey parrot. In the study 253 clinical samples were taken from 27 bird species belonging to seven orders. Thirty-two (12.6%) samples were positive for Chlamydi and two new genotypes were discovered: ''Chlamydophila psittaci'' and ''Chlamydophila abortus''.<ref>{{cite journal|first1 = S. A.|last1=Madani|first2=S. M.|last2=Peighambari|title = PCR-based diagnosis, molecular characterization and detection of atypical strains of avian ''Chlamydia psittaci'' in companion and wild birds|journal=Avian Pathology |date=Feb 2013 |volume=42 |issue=1 |pages=38–44 |doi=10.1080/03079457.2012.757288|pmid=23391180|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/235421237|access-date=26 October 2015|doi-access=free}}</ref>
Another ailment that grey parrots commonly suffer from is hypocalcemic-induced seizure activity. Birds between 2–15 years of age contract it, due to a lack of calcium. A symptom of the syndrome can be unsteadiness while standing or falling off a perch along with neurological anomalies or problems.<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Kirchgessner|first1=Megan|first2=Thomas N. |last2=Tully Jr |first3=Javier |last3=Nevarez |first4=David Sanchez-Migallon |last4= Guzman |first5=Mark J. |last5=Acierno|title=Magnesium Therapy in a Hypocalcemic African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus)|journal=Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery|date=March 2012|volume=26|issue=1|pages=17–21|doi=10.1647/2009-021.1|pmid=22645835|s2cid=22315895}}</ref>

===Intelligence===
{{Further|Talking bird}}

{{Blockquote|Birds appear to offer, in their behavior, neurophysiology, and neuroanatomy a striking case of parallel evolution of consciousness. Evidence of near human-like levels of consciousness has been most dramatically observed in African grey parrots.|[[The Cambridge Declaration on Consciousness]]<ref name=CDC>[https://web.archive.org/web/20131109230457/http://fcmconference.org/img/CambridgeDeclarationOnConsciousness.pdf The Cambridge Declaration on Consciousness (Archive)] 7 July 2012. Written by Philip Low and edited by Jaak Panksepp, Diana Reiss, David Edelman, Bruno Van Swinderen, Philip Low and Christof Koch. University of Cambridge.</ref>}}

Unlike other parrots, wild greys have been documented imitating the calls of several other species.{{Citation needed|date=March 2014}}

[[Irene Pepperberg]]'s research with captive greys, most notably with a bird named [[Alex (parrot)|Alex]], has scientifically demonstrated that they possess the ability to associate simple human words with meanings, and to intelligently apply the abstract concepts of shape, colour, number, zero-sense, etc. According to Pepperberg and other ornithologists, they perform many cognitive tasks at the level of dolphins, chimpanzees, and even human [[toddlers]].<ref>{{cite news| url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7414846.stm |work=BBC News | title=Stray Japan parrot talks way home | date=22 May 2008 | access-date=23 April 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100402002927/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7414846.stm| archive-date= 2 April 2010 | url-status= live}}</ref> As well as labeling objects, Alex could verbally express what his wants were, suggesting that grey parrots know the difference between features and feelings.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Kaufman|first=Allison |display-authors=etal |title=Higher-order semantic structures in an African Grey parrot's vocalizations: evidence from the hyperspace analog to language (HAL) model|journal=Animal Cognition|date=September 2013|volume=16|issue=5|pages=789–801/10.1007/s10071–013–0613–3|doi=10.1007/s10071-013-0613-3|pmid=23417559|s2cid=11359605 }}</ref> In general, it has been shown that grey parrots are able to learn relatively quickly, though they are limited to simple and non-abstract mediums of thinking.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Sukova|first=K|title=Abstract concept formation in African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) on the basis of a low number of cues|journal=Behavioural Processes|date=June 2013|volume=96|pages=36–41|doi=10.1016/j.beproc.2013.02.008|pmid=23485821|s2cid=8941010|display-authors=etal}}</ref> They have been shown to be able to make cognitive inferences, but, like apes, have inter-individual differences in intelligence. For example, in one experiment involving food hidden under cups, it was shown that greys can identify where the food is, usually if shown its original location at first.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Mikolasch|first=Sandra|title=African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) use inference by exclusion to find hidden food|journal=Biology Letters|date=Dec 2011|volume=7|issue=6|pages=875–877|doi=10.1098/rsbl.2011.0500|pmid=21697165|display-authors=etal|pmc=3210682}}</ref>

Pet greys may learn to speak within their first year, but many don't say their first word until 12–18 months old.<ref>{{cite web|last=Bono|first=Lisa|title=African Grey Parrots: Myths & Facts|url=http://www.birdchannel.com/sponsors/species-nutrition-information-center/african-grey-myths-truths.aspx|publisher=birdchannel.com|access-date=2014-03-17}}</ref> Timnehs are generally observed to start speaking earlier, some in their late first year.<ref>{{cite book|last=Deter|first=Dianalee|title=The African Grey Parrot Handbook|url=https://archive.org/details/africangreyparro00matt|url-access=registration|year=2000|publisher=Barron's|location=Hauppauge, New York|isbn=978-0-7641-4140-9}}</ref> Both subspecies seem to have the same ability and tendency to produce human speech, but vocal ability and proclivity may range widely among individual birds. Grey parrots tend to use more specific calls for different species coming their way which can be known as stimulus specificity, since there is a stimulus vocalization the birds have.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Giret|first=Nicolas |display-authors=etal |title=Context-related vocalizations in African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus)|journal=Acta Ethologica|date=Apr 2012|volume=15|issue=1|pages=39–46|doi=10.1007/s10211-011-0106-9|s2cid=18208971 |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/251311800|access-date=26 October 2015}}</ref>

A study published in 2011, led by Dalila Bovet of [[Paris West University Nanterre La Défense]], demonstrated grey parrots were able to coordinate and collaborate with each other to an extent. They were able to solve problems set by scientists—for example, two birds could pull strings at the same time to obtain food. In another example, one bird stood on a perch to release a food-laden tray, while the other pulled the tray out from the test apparatus. Both would then feed. The birds in question were observed waiting for their partners to perform the necessary actions so their behaviour could be synchronized. The parrots appeared to express individual preferences as to which of the other test birds they would work with.<ref name=gill>{{cite web |last=Gill |first=Victoria |title=Parrots choose to work together |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/12913981 |publisher=BBC Nature News |access-date=19 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520092257/http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/12913981| archive-date=20 May 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref>

In an experiment about local enhancement in grey parrots, food was visibly hidden under two separate cups. The experimenter then lifted the first cup and either removed what was under it or put it back. This was then done again in several different combinations, the cups were lifted in a different order and the food was removed or put back in a different order. Instead of remembering which cup had the food, the birds would show preference to the one that was touched last.
<ref>{{cite journal|last=Mikolasch|first=Sandra|author2=Kotrschal, Schloegl|title=The Influence of Local Enhancement on Choice Performances in African Grey Parrots (Psittacus erithacus) and Jackdaws (Corvus monedula)|journal=Journal of Comparative Psychology|date=November 2012|volume=126|issue=4|pages=399–406|doi=10.1037/a0028209|pmid=22866773}}</ref>

Another series of experiments further tested grey parrots' cognitive abilities. In general, most animals cannot associate sounds with objects, such as food, placed into a cup. While originally only the great apes and young human children were known to make this association with ease, it was found that grey parrots, under most conditions, can also associate sounds with the presence of an object. For the most part, grey parrots performed more successfully if the cup was shaken horizontally before it is given the choice of selecting which contained food; however, further experimentation indicated that it is not a requirement and proved that grey parrots have very high cognitive abilities.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Schloegl|first=Christian|title=Grey parrots use inferential reasoning based on acoustic cues alone|journal=Proceedings of the Royal Society B|volume=279|issue=1745|pages=4135–4142|doi=10.1098/rspb.2012.1292|date=22 October 2012|display-authors=etal|pmid=22874753|pmc=3441070}}</ref>

=== Vocalisation ===
Wild grey parrots often whistle, click, or make other sounds. A grey's owner should expect to hear regular renditions of microwave ovens, telephones, alarm clocks, video games, and other electronic sounds, as well as dripping water, wild birds, and any other sound often heard by the parrot. Greys have even been known to repeat the profanity they heard from an owner even after they no longer live with that owner. Greys also have the ability to mimic, and distinguish between, the different voices they hear.  Grey parrots use different alarm calls for different predators coming their way.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Giret|first=Nicolas |display-authors=etal |title=Context-related vocalizations in African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus)|journal=Acta Ethologica|date=April 2012|volume=15|issue=1|pages=39–46|doi=10.1007/s10211-011-0106-9|s2cid=18208971 }}</ref>[[File:Psittacus erithacus making some noise.ogg|left|Shrieking and clicking of the grey parrot]]

In an experiment to test the vocalizations of grey parrots, four bred in captivity were placed in an aviary. Throughout the day they spent time in a room with toys and came into fairly regular contact with the humans taking care of them. The noises that these parrots could hear consisted of the calls of canaries in the laboratory, people cleaning, doors squeaking, etc. In the next 3 years, the parrots made over 50,000 vocalisations. What was interesting was that, although they were bred in captivity, the sounds they made were not only ones of their immediate surroundings. They also made calls similar to those of other captive grey parrots in different locations and even wild grey parrots.<ref>{{cite journal|last=Giret|first=Nicholas |author2=Albert, Nagle |author3=Kreutzer, Bovet|title=Context-related vocalizations in African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus)|journal=Acta Ethologica |date=April 2012|volume=15|issue=1|pages=39–46|doi=10.1007/s10211-011-0106-9|s2cid=18208971 }}</ref>

==Status and conservation==
[[File:Timneh african grey parrot 31l07.JPG|left|thumb|Timneh parrot ([[wing clipping|wings clipped]])]]
More rare than previously believed, the grey was uplisted from a species of least concern to near threatened in the 2007 [[IUCN Red List]].<ref name="autogenerated2">See BirdLife International (2007a. b).</ref> A recent analysis suggests up to 21% of the global population may be taken from the wild annually,<ref name="autogenerated2" /> primarily for the pet trade. In 2012, the species was further uplisted to [[vulnerable species|vulnerable]].<ref name="Recently recategorised species"/> 
The species is endemic to primary and secondary [[rainforest]]s of West and Central Africa.<ref>See Juniper, T. and M. Parr. 1998. Parrots: A Guide to Parrots of the World. Yale University Press, New Haven and London.</ref> Grey parrots depend on large, old trees for the natural hollows they use for nesting. Studies in Guinea and Guinea-Bissau have found that greys' preferred species of nesting trees are also species preferred for timber.<ref name="autogenerated1">See Clemmons, J.R. 2003. Status Survey of the African Grey Parrot (''Psittacus erithacus timneh'') and Development of a Management Program in Guinea and Guinea-Bissau. CITES, Geneva, Switzerland.</ref> The relationship between the status of the species and the status of [[primary forest]] is positive:<ref>Dändliker, G. 1992. The Grey Parrot in Ghana: A population survey, a contribution to the biology of the species, a study of its commercial exploitation and management recommendations. CITES, Lausanne, Switzerland.</ref> where the forests are declining, so too are populations of grey parrots.<ref name="autogenerated1" />

[[File:Psittacus erithacus -captivity-6.jpg|thumb|right|Grey parrot in a bird park]]
The grey parrot is listed on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora ([[CITES]]). This requires both that exports be accompanied by a permit issued by a national authority and that a finding be made that the export is not detrimental to the species in the wild. With exports totaling more than 350,000 specimens from 1994 to 2003,<ref>See UNEP-WCMC CITES Trade Database.</ref> the grey parrot is one of the most heavily traded CITES-listed bird species. In response to continuing population declines, exceeded quotas, and unsustainable and illegal trade (including among range states), CITES included the grey parrot in Phase VI of the CITES Review of Significant Trade in 2004. This review has resulted in recommended zero export quotas for several range states and a CITES decision to develop regional management plans for the species.

In the United States, importation of wild-caught grey parrots is prohibited under the US Wild Bird Conservation Act of 1992. In the European Union, an EU Directive of 2007 prevents importation of this and any other wild-caught birds for the pet trade.

==Relationship with humans==

===Aviculture===
[[File:African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus) -held on hand.jpg|upright|thumb|right|A pet grey parrot]]
These intelligent mimics can make interesting pets and [[companion parrot]]s. They have a devoted following among parrot owners. However, the same qualities mean they require a special commitment by their owners to provide frequent one-on-one interaction and supervised time out of their cages. They must be kept stimulated and busy by people and toys or they may become stressed and develop self-destructive behaviors. Greys require large cages, varied diets that include fresh foods, and plenty of safe and chewable toys. If not provided with these items, these parrots can quickly develop unpleasant behaviours and may eventually develop health problems (such as feather-plucking) that are difficult to remedy.

Even the healthiest, happiest pet parrot will generate a fair amount of mess and noise. Like most parrots, they are not domesticated, and even a well-socialized, hand-raised, aviary-bred bird is usually only one or two generations removed from its wild predecessor. Despite this, there is a long history of these parrots being kept at pets by the [[ancient Greece|ancient Greeks]], wealthy [[ancient Rome|Roman]] families, King [[Henry VIII]], Portuguese sailors, and others.

==See also==
* [[Alex (parrot)]]
* [[N'kisi]]
* [[Hatebeak]]

==References==

===Footnotes===
{{Reflist}}

===Sources===
* Athan, Mattie Sue & Deter, Dianalee (2000): ''The African Grey Parrot Handbook.'' Barron's Pet Handbooks, Hauppauge, NY. <small>{{ISBN|0-7641-0993-6}}</small>
* [http://www.iucnredlist.org/apps/redlist/details/142530/0 The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: ''Psittacus erithacus'' (Retrieved 6 July 2011)]
* BirdLife International (2007a): [http://www.birdlife.org/action/science/species/global_species_programme/whats_new.html 2006–2007 Red List status changes]. Retrieved 26 August 2007.
* BirdLife International (2007b): [http://www.birdlife.org/datazone/search/species_search.html?action=SpcHTMDetails.asp&sid=1496&m=0 Grey Parrot – BirdLife Species Factsheet]. Retrieved 26 August 2007.
*{{cite journal | last1 = Beaufrere | first1 = Hugues | display-authors = etal | year = 2011| title = Plasma Osmolality Reference Values in African Grey Parrots(Psittacus erithacus erithacus) | journal = Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery | volume = 25 | issue = 2| pages = 91–96 | doi = 10.1647/2010-015.1 | pmid = 21877445 | s2cid = 33399471 }}
*{{cite journal | last1 = Juan-Salles | first1 = C | display-authors = etal | year = 2010| title = Congestive Heart Failure in 6 African Grey Parrots (Psittacus e erithacus) (May 2011) | journal = Journal of General Virology | volume = 48 | issue = 3| pages = 691–697 | doi = 10.1177/0300985810377071 | pmid = 20660943 | s2cid = 25359919 }}
*Brinker, Bobbi (2005): ''For the Love of Greys.'' <small>{{ISBN|0-9760576-1-1}}</small>
* Forshaw, Joseph M. & Cooper, William T. (1981): ''Parrots of the World'' (3rd ed.). Lansdowne Editions, Melbourne, New York. <small>{{ISBN|0-7018-0690-7}}</small>
* Greene, W.T. & Batty, J. (1993): ''African grey parrots.'' Beech Publishing House, Alton. <small>{{ISBN|1-85736-027-3}}</small>
* Glendell, G. Breaking Bad Habits in Parrots (2007) {{ISBN|978-1-84286-165-3}}.
* Glendell, G in Veterinary Times (UK) 18 February 2008.
* {{cite journal | last1 = Kaufman | first1 = Allison B. | last2 = Colbert-White | first2 = Erin N. | last3 = Burgess | first3 =Curt | display-authors = 1 | year = 2013 | title = Higher-order semantic structures in an African Grey Parrot's Vocalization: evidence from the hyperspace analog to language (HAL) model | journal = Animal Cognition | volume = 16 | issue = 5| pages = 789–801 | doi = 10.1007/s10071-013-0613-3 | pmid = 23417559 | s2cid = 11359605 }}
* Juniper, Tony & Parr, Mike (1998): ''Parrots: A Guide to Parrots of the World.'' [[Helm Identification Guides|Christopher Helm]], London. <small>{{ISBN|1-873403-40-2}}</small>
* [[Henry George Liddell|Liddell, Henry George]] & [[Robert Scott (philologist)|Robert Scott]] (1980): ''[[A Greek-English Lexicon]]'' (Abridged Edition). [[Oxford University Press]], United Kingdom. <small>{{ISBN|0-19-910207-4}}</small>
*{{cite journal | last1 = Giret | first1 = Nicolas | last2 = Albert | first2 = Aurélie | last3 = Nagle | first3 = Laurent | last4 = Kreutzer | first4 = Michel | last5 = Bovet | first5 = Dalila | display-authors = 1 | title = Context-related vocalizations in African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) |date=April 2012 | journal = Acta Ethologica | volume = 15 | issue = 4| pages = 39–46 | doi = 10.1007/s10211-011-0106-9 | s2cid = 18208971 }}
* {{cite journal | last1 = Schmid | last2 = Doherr | first2 = R. | last3 = Steiger | first3 = M G. | year = 2006| title = The influence of the breeding method on the behaviour of adult African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) | journal = Applied Animal Behaviour Science | volume =  98| issue = 3–4 | pages =  293–307| doi = 10.1016/j.applanim.2005.09.002 }}
* [[Carl Linnaeus|Linnaeus, Carolus]] (1758): ''[https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/10277 Systema naturae per regna tria naturae, secundum classes, ordines, genera, species, cum characteribus, differentiis, synonymis, locis].'' (10th edition, vol.1). Laurentius Salvius, Holmia (= Stockholm).
* Mancini, Julie R. (1998): ''The African Grey.'' Howell Book House, New York. <small>{{ISBN|0-87605-443-2}}</small>
* Moustaki, Nikki (2004): ''A New Owner's Guide to African Grey Parrots''. TFH Publications, Neptune City, NJ. <small>{{ISBN|0-7938-2855-4}}</small>
* Mulawka, Edward J. (1984): ''African Grey Parrots.'' TFH Publications. <small>{{ISBN|0-86622-975-2}}</small>
* Pepperberg, Irene (2002): ''The Alex Studies: cognitive and communicative abilities of grey parrots.'' Harvard University Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts & London. <small>{{ISBN|0-674-00806-5}}</small>
* Wright, Maggie (2001): ''African Grey Parrots: everything about history, care, nutrition, handling, and behavior.'' Barron's Pet Handbooks, Hauppauge, NY. <small>{{ISBN|0-7641-1035-7}}</small>

==External links==
{{Commons|Psittacus erithacus|Psittacus erithacus}}
{{Wikispecies|Psittacus erithacus|Psittacus erithacus}}
*[http://www.parrots.org/index.php/encyclopedia/profile/grey_parrot/ World Parrot Trust] Parrot Encyclopedia – Species Profile
*[http://cityparrots.org/journal/tag/psittacus-erithacus-african-grey-parrot African Grey] news & conservation
*[http://www.honoluluzoo.org/african_grey_parrot.htm Honolulu Zoo]
*[http://www.africangreyparrotcentre.co.uk/ African Grey Parrot Centre] information about supporting grey parrots
*[http://www.theparrotclub.co.uk/ The Parrot Club] an excellent resource for keepers of all parrots

{{Psittacini}}
{{Psittacopasseres|Ps.|state=collapsed}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q10809423}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Psittacus| ]]
[[Category:Psittacini]]
[[Category:Animal intelligence]]
[[Category:Talking birds]]
[[Category:Parrots of Africa]]
[[Category:Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus]]