African Grey Parrot Articles

Subspecies

There are two subspecies:

Congo African Grey parrot
, Psittacus erithacus erithacus - these are larger birds (about 12 inches/30cm long) with light grey feathers, cherry red tails and black beaks. A Congo is often called a "CAG".

Timneh African Grey parrot
Psittacus erithacus timneh - these are smaller in size, have a darker charcoal gray coloring, a darker maroon tail, and a light, horn colored upper mandible. A Timneh is often called a "TAG".

Some avian enthusiasts (incorrectly) recognize a third subspecies, Ghana African Grey (Psittacus erithacus princeps). This bird is described to be similar to the Congo African greys, but darker and slightly smaller; however, scientifically this subspecies has not been found to be recognizable. Among breeders, there is said to be a fourth subspecies, the Cameroon African Grey, most often referred to as the big silvers.