Also called Timneh grey, Timneh grey parrot, Timneh African grey
SpeciesShort profile
From West Africa's Upper Guinea forests, from Guinea-Bissau through Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia to Côte d'Ivoire. It uses lowland rainforest, forest edges, gallery forest, mangroves, savanna and plantations.12
A darker, charcoal-grey version of the familiar grey parrot, with scalloped feathers, a pale bare face patch and pale yellow eyes. The rump and belly are lighter grey. Its tail is a deep maroon rather than bright red, and the upper bill has a horn-coloured patch against the dark lower bill.213
ColoursDark grey with maroon tail (natural colour)12
Personality what they are like
A clever, observant parrot that is often a little more outgoing and easy-going than its larger Congo cousin. Many start copying words and household sounds at a younger age. It enjoys time with its people but usually prefers head scratches and company to lots of cuddling.23
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Needs daily out-of-cage time and plenty of mental work: foraging toys, puzzles and chewable items to keep its busy mind engaged.3
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Provide regular chances to bathe, fresh chewable toys and varied perches. Setting one side of the cage against a wall rather than in the middle of a room helps it feel secure.3
Home where they are happiest
A large, sturdy parrot cage with room to climb and spread its wings, plus a play area outside the cage.3
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Wild birds eat fruits and seeds, especially oil palm fruit, along with figs, cola and maize. Pets do well on a balanced pellet base with fresh vegetables (orange ones such as cooked sweet potato, and leafy greens) and some fruit.13
Company who they like around
A very social parrot that needs plenty of daily interaction and involvement in family life.3
The story where it all began
Louis Fraser described the Timneh in 1844, but for most of its history it was lumped in with the grey parrot. Genetic work published in 2007 showed it to be a distinct species, and it has long been kept as a companion bird for its intelligence and gift for speech.2
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
It was considered a mere subspecies of the grey parrot until a 2007 study showed it is its own species.2
2
Wild Timnehs may fly up to 20 km in a day to reach food.1
3
It can often begin to talk at a younger age than the Congo grey parrot.2
4
Its tail is a dark maroon, while the grey parrot's is bright crimson, one of the easiest ways to tell them apart.2
Recognised by the official bits
Taxonomy
Described by Louis Fraser in 1844. Long treated as a subspecies of the grey parrot, it was split as a full species after a 2007 genetic and morphological study; BirdLife International recognised the split in 2012.2
IUCN Red List
Endangered; the World Parrot Trust gives 100,000-500,000 mature individuals (high uncertainty) and Wikipedia gives 120,000-259,000 birds, with no year stated.1
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Timneh Parrot?
Provide fresh food and water every day. Furry Diary's starting plan is to refresh food and water daily. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.31Pet Wiki plan
What does a Timneh Parrot eat, and what should it never eat?
A balanced pellet base with fresh vegetables like cooked sweet potato and leafy greens, plus some fruit, is ideal. Avoid foods that are toxic to birds; ask your vet for a complete list of unsafe items.31
How much space does a Timneh Parrot need?
A large, sturdy cage that allows climbing and wing-stretching, plus a separate play area outside the cage. Furry Diary's plan includes about 3 hours of out-of-cage time daily.3Pet Wiki plan
What temperature, light or water does a Timneh Parrot need?
Provide fresh water daily. Temperature and light preferences vary; ask your avian vet for tailored advice for your home. Pet Wiki plan
How often should I clean a Timneh Parrot's home?
Change the cage liner daily and do a full cage clean weekly. Furry Diary's plan also suggests offering a bath every three days.3Pet Wiki plan
Can a Timneh Parrot live with others?
Timneh Parrots are very social and enjoy family life, but compatibility with other pets varies. Introduce new animals slowly and consult a breeder or vet.3
How long does a Timneh Parrot live?
With good care, a Timneh Parrot can live 30 to 60 years.13
Can I handle a Timneh Parrot?
Yes, it enjoys interaction and head scratches, but it may not be a cuddly bird. Handle gently and respect its mood. Furry Diary's plan includes daily out-of-cage time.23Pet Wiki plan
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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