What is a Senegal Parrot?

A Senegal Parrot is a small African bird with the species name Poicephalus senegalus. It lives in flocks in open forests and wooded areas along the western coast where it feeds on local crops and is looked upon as an unwelcome pest by farmers. It is one of the most popular species of birds kept as pets throughout the world, although these birds are hand raised in captivity. It is illegal to export or import a wild Senegal Parrot for any reason.

This type of Poicephalus parrot is only about 9 inches (28 cm) long, and weighs just 4 to 6 ounces (120-170 g.). It has a large, gray colored head and beak and striking bright yellow eyes. Its body is green and yellow with a vest shape on its chest which varies in color, depending on the subspecies it belongs to. Male and female birds can be very difficult to tell apart, though the males tend to be larger and more aggressive. The Senegal Parrot can live for 30 years or more in the wild, and pet Senegals have been known to live for more than 50 years.

In its native habitat, the Senegal Parrot builds its nest in palm tree holes, and lays from 3 or 4 small, white eggs in spring. The female sits on the eggs for the month that it takes for them to incubate. The male provides food for the female and the babies and protects the nest. When the babies are three or four weeks old, their mother begins to provide food for them as well. The babies leave the nest to fend for themselves when they are approximately three months old.

The Senegal Parrot migrates in search of food, which includes seeds, nuts, fruit and grains. When kept as pets, these birds can be fed a commercial seed or pellet mixture made for parrots as well as small portions of fruit, vegetables, and even bits of meat. It is important to feed the Senegal Parrot a proper diet to ensure colorful feathers as well as good health.

Known for their outgoing personalities, the Senegal Parrot can be very entertaining; it has a gift for mimicry, often copying any sound it hears. Similar to most parrots, they can be noisy, with calls that range from loud, piercing whistles to squawks. They are known to be highly trainable and very playful, though they have a propensity to become one-person birds. In order to avoid this possessiveness, they should be handled and socialized regularly. Wild Senegal Parrots, however, can be aggressive and should never be kept as pets.

A Senegal Parrot is a small, vibrant bird native to the savanna and woodland regions of West Africa. Known for their playful nature and talking ability, these parrots are part of the Poicephalus genus and are characterized by their green feathers, gray head, and V-shaped vest of a bright yellow and orange hue.

Senegal Parrots have a relatively long lifespan, typically living between 20 to 30 years in captivity when provided with proper care. Some individuals have been known to live even longer, with their lifespan being influenced by factors such as diet, exercise, and overall quality of care.

Senegal Parrots are often recommended for beginners due to their manageable size, moderate noise level, and affectionate demeanor. They are known to form strong bonds with their owners and can be quite sociable, making them a suitable choice for those new to bird keeping.

A balanced diet for a Senegal Parrot should include high-quality pellets, fresh fruits, and vegetables, along with occasional nuts and seeds for treats. It's important to ensure variety to provide essential nutrients and avoid obesity, which can be a health concern for these birds.

Yes, Senegal Parrots are capable of talking and mimicking sounds, although their vocabulary is typically not as extensive as some other parrot species. With patience and consistent training, they can learn to say words and phrases, as well as imitate common household noises.

In captivity, Senegal Parrots require a spacious cage that allows for flight and movement, with dimensions of at least 20x20x28 inches being recommended. The habitat should include perches of varying sizes to promote foot health, as well as toys and puzzles to stimulate their intelligent minds and prevent boredom.