Senegal Parrot
(Poicephalus senegalus)
3 sub-species
The Senegal Parrot is a Poicehpalus Parrot which is found across a wide range of West Africa. It migrates within West Africa, according to the availability of the fruit, seeds and blossoms which make up it's diet in the wild. It is considered a farm pest in Africa, often feeding on corn and millet crops.
Senegal Parrots inhabit open woodlands and savannas in the wild. They are a very gregarious species, continuously chattering with a range of whistling and squawking calls. Senegal Parrots live an average of approximately 25-30 years in the wild, and some have been reported to live up to 50 years in captivity.
Senegal Parrots are about 23 cm long, and weight between 125 gm to 170 gm. They have a relatively large head and beak for their size, and a short broad tail. Adults have a charcoal gray head, gray beak, bright yellow irises, green back and throat, and yellow underparts and rump. The yellow and green areas on a Senegal Parrots front form a V-shape resembling a yellow vest worn over green. Juveniles have dark gray, almost black irises.
There are three subspecies. they do not differ in behavior, but only in the color of the vest. In the pet trade the most common of the subspecies is the poicephalus senegalus senegalus though all three are raised and sold as pets.
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