Timneh Parrot

Looks how to spot one

Feathered; medium-sized, short-tailed parrot

A darker, charcoal-grey version of the familiar grey parrot, with scalloped feathers, a pale bare face patch and pale yellow eyes. The rump and belly are lighter grey. Its tail is a deep maroon rather than bright red, and the upper bill has a horn-coloured patch against the dark lower bill.213

Personality what they are like

A clever, observant parrot that is often a little more outgoing and easy-going than its larger Congo cousin. Many start copying words and household sounds at a younger age. It enjoys time with its people but usually prefers head scratches and company to lots of cuddling.23

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Needs daily out-of-cage time and plenty of mental work: foraging toys, puzzles and chewable items to keep its busy mind engaged.3

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Provide regular chances to bathe, fresh chewable toys and varied perches. Setting one side of the cage against a wall rather than in the middle of a room helps it feel secure.3

Home where they are happiest

A large, sturdy parrot cage with room to climb and spread its wings, plus a play area outside the cage.3

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Wild birds eat fruits and seeds, especially oil palm fruit, along with figs, cola and maize. Pets do well on a balanced pellet base with fresh vegetables (orange ones such as cooked sweet potato, and leafy greens) and some fruit.13

Company who they like around

A very social parrot that needs plenty of daily interaction and involvement in family life.3

The story where it all began

Louis Fraser described the Timneh in 1844, but for most of its history it was lumped in with the grey parrot. Genetic work published in 2007 showed it to be a distinct species, and it has long been kept as a companion bird for its intelligence and gift for speech.2

Recognised by the official bits

Taxonomy

Described by Louis Fraser in 1844. Long treated as a subspecies of the grey parrot, it was split as a full species after a 2007 genetic and morphological study; BirdLife International recognised the split in 2012.2

IUCN Red List

Endangered; the World Parrot Trust gives 100,000-500,000 mature individuals (high uncertainty) and Wikipedia gives 120,000-259,000 birds, with no year stated.1

CITES

Appendix I.1