Where does the African Grey Parrot live?
Psittacus erithacus
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Open the appThe African Grey Parrot lives in specific habitats and regions. Knowing where, and when, to look improves your chances of a successful sighting.
Biomes
Tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests, forest edges, clearings, gallery forests, and sometimes mangroves.
Geographic range
West and Central Africa, from southeastern Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana east to Kenya and Tanzania, and south to northern Angola. The range is fragmented due to habitat loss.
Preferred environments
Prefers dense primary and secondary rainforests, often near rivers or clearings. They utilize tall trees for roosting and nesting.
Elevation range
Typically found from sea level up to 2,200 meters (7,200 ft), but most common in lowland areas.
Where to look
Primary and Secondary Rainforests
Focus on dense forest areas, particularly those with tall trees for nesting and roosting. Look along forest edges and clearings.
Gallery Forests
These birds often frequent forests along rivers and streams, which provide water and diverse food sources.
Oil Palm Plantations
In some areas, they may be found foraging in oil palm plantations, as oil palm nuts are a significant part of their diet.
Field tips
- Listen for Vocalizations. African Greys are often heard before they are seen. Their diverse calls, including mimicry, can draw attention to their presence. Listen especially at dawn and dusk.
- Observe Communal Roosts. At dusk, large numbers of African Greys converge on communal roosting sites. Locating these sites can offer spectacular viewing opportunities as flocks arrive.
- Look for Feeding Activity. Scan the canopy of fruiting trees, especially oil palms. They can be quite noisy while feeding, and dropped fruit or nut fragments can indicate their presence below.
- Use Binoculars. Due to their arboreal nature and often high perching, good binoculars are essential for detailed observation of plumage and eye color.
Migration
Resident throughout their range, with no significant migratory movements. They may undertake local movements in response to food availability.
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