Description
AFRICAN PARROT
Timneh African Grey for Sale Online
The Timneh African Grey is an intelligent and social parrot with dark grey plumage and a distinctive burgundy tail.
Psittacus timneh
30 cm
About 320 g
50–60 years
Distinctive Appearance
Timneh Parrots have dark grey plumage with a paler rump and abdomen. Their dark burgundy tail creates a striking contrast.
Smart & Social
These parrots are vocal and social. They can produce whistles, calls, and impressive sounds.
Long-Term Companion
With proper care, Timneh Parrots can live for around 50–60 years. Therefore, ownership requires long-term commitment.
APPEARANCE
A Compact Grey Parrot With Character
The Timneh African Grey has a darker appearance than the larger Grey Parrot. Its body is mainly dark grey, while the rump and abdomen appear lighter.
In addition, the lower undertail feathers can show dark red tones. The tail is a rich burgundy shade with brown-edged feathers.
Key Features
- Dark grey body
- Paler rump and abdomen
- Burgundy tail
- Dark red upper mandible with black tip
- Black lower mandible
- Dark grey to black eyes
Natural Habitat & Range
Timneh Parrots naturally occur in West Africa. Their range extends from Guinea-Bissau through Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia to Côte d’Ivoire.
They live in primary and secondary rainforest, forest edges, clearings, gallery forests, mangroves, savanna, and plantations. Moreover, oil palms provide an important food source.
Wild Diet
Their natural diet includes fruits, seeds, nuts, berries, and oil palm fruit. They may also travel considerable distances when searching for food.
For companion birds, provide a balanced diet rather than relying heavily on sunflower seeds. Fresh vegetables, suitable fruits, formulated food, and other appropriate foods can support good nutrition.
Timneh African Grey Personality
Timneh Parrots are intelligent, alert, and highly vocal birds. They can mimic different sounds and may develop a wide range of calls.
They also need mental stimulation. Therefore, provide safe toys, foraging activities, climbing opportunities, and regular interaction.
Because some Timnehs can be cautious around unfamiliar objects, introduce new toys gradually. This approach can help the bird feel more comfortable.
Timneh African Grey Care Guide
Spacious Housing
Give your Timneh enough room to climb, stretch, and move freely. WPT recommends an aviary or suspended cage with a minimum length of about 3 metres.
Daily Enrichment
Offer foot toys, destructible toys, foraging toys, safe branches, and different perches. Rotate enrichment to maintain interest.
Bathing
Provide safe bathing opportunities with a shallow water bowl or suitable misting setup. Always keep the bird’s environment clean.
Social Interaction
Spend consistent time with your parrot. Positive interaction, training, and enrichment can help support healthy behaviour.
Breeding Information
In the wild, Timneh Parrots nest in high tree cavities. Their breeding season can occur during dry periods, including January–February and June–July.
A typical clutch contains 2–3 eggs. Young birds usually fledge at around 11–12 weeks.
Conservation Matters
The Timneh Parrot is listed as Endangered by the IUCN and is included in CITES Appendix I. The wild population is estimated at 100,000–500,000 mature individuals, although there is considerable uncertainty.
Furthermore, populations continue to decline because of habitat loss and illegal trapping. International commercial trade has had a major impact on the species.
Responsible sourcing and legal compliance are therefore essential. Captive-bred birds should come from documented, lawful sources.
Explore More Companion Birds
Browse our
bird collection
or discover the
Scaly-Breasted Lorikeet.
You can also learn about the
Collared Lory.
Timneh African Grey FAQs
1. What is a Timneh African Grey?
The Timneh African Grey is a parrot species scientifically known as Psittacus timneh. It is native to West Africa.
2. How large is a Timneh African Grey?
An adult Timneh Parrot is about 30 cm long and weighs around 320 g.
3. How long do Timneh African Greys live?
The World Parrot Trust lists a lifespan of around 50–60 years. Therefore, this bird requires a long-term commitment.
4. What do Timneh African Greys eat?
Their natural diet includes fruits, seeds, nuts, berries, and oil palm fruit. Captive diets should remain balanced and varied.
5. Are Timneh African Greys vocal?
Yes. They produce whistles, squawks, shrieks, and other calls. They can also mimic sounds from birds and mammals.
6. What housing does a Timneh African Grey need?
They need spacious housing with room for movement, climbing, perching, and enrichment. WPT recommends a minimum aviary or cage length of about 3 metres.
7. Are Timneh African Greys endangered?
Yes. The species is classified as Endangered and listed under CITES Appendix I. Habitat loss and illegal trapping remain major threats.
