Psittacus erithacus — The world's most intelligent parrot — a lifelong companion with an extraordinary gift for language.
| Characteristic | Detail |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Psittacus erithacus |
| Size | 33 cm, 400–650 g |
| Wingspan | 46–52 cm |
| Lifespan | 50–70 years |
| Vocabulary | 800–1,000+ words |
| Noise Level | Moderate |
| Family Suitability | Ideal for experienced owners |
| CITES Status | CITES Appendix I |
The African Grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) is widely regarded as the most intelligent bird species on Earth. Celebrated for its extraordinary cognitive abilities and unmatched capacity for human speech, the African Grey forms deep, lifelong bonds with its owners and can learn vocabulary running into the hundreds — sometimes over a thousand — words and phrases.
At Paraíso de Aves, every African Grey is hand-raised from the earliest days of life, handled daily, socialised with people of all ages, and prepared for a seamless transition into its new home. We breed both the Congo African Grey (P. erithacus erithacus) and the slightly smaller, darker Timneh African Grey (P. timneh), both fully documented under CITES.
No parrot species rivals the African Grey for cognitive depth. Research by Dr Irene Pepperberg demonstrated that Grey parrots like Alex could understand concepts such as colour, shape, material, quantity, and absence — abilities once attributed exclusively to great apes. An African Grey doesn't merely mimic: it uses language contextually, responds to questions, and often speaks at appropriate moments.
Speech development typically begins at 6–12 months and accelerates rapidly over the first three years. Hand-raised birds that hear consistent, clear speech from their human family learn fastest. Most adults can produce 100–800 words with clear pronunciation and many use sentences unprompted.
African Greys are sensitive, perceptive birds that thrive on routine and close companionship. They are selectively social — they may choose one primary companion in a household — and can be initially reserved with strangers. Once trust is established, however, a Grey is extraordinarily affectionate, seeking physical contact, playing games, and actively engaging in household life.
They are not tolerant of boredom. A Grey without sufficient mental stimulation will develop feather-plucking, repetitive screaming, or other stress behaviours. Enrichment — foraging toys, training sessions, varied environments — is as essential as food and water.
African Greys require a nutritionally balanced diet to maintain their complex physiology. They are prone to hypocalcaemia (low calcium), Vitamin A deficiency, and feather-destructive behaviour when fed poor diets. We recommend:
Foods to avoid: avocado, chocolate, caffeine, onion, garlic, alcohol, and the seeds of apples and pears. Ensure fresh water is available at all times and changed twice daily.
Real photographs from our breeding facility in Llíria, Valencia — not stock images.
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Yes — African Greys are the most accomplished talking birds in the world. With consistent interaction, hand-raised birds typically develop vocabularies of 100–500 words by age 3, with some reaching over 1,000. They do not merely repeat: many contextually apply language, name objects, and respond to questions.
They are best suited to experienced bird owners or those who have thoroughly researched the species. Their intelligence means they have complex emotional needs, and they require daily mental stimulation, a stable routine, and consistent social interaction to thrive.
In captivity with proper care, 50–70 years. This is a lifelong commitment — please factor in what will happen to the bird if circumstances change, and consider naming a bird guardian in your will.
Yes. We deliver throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland via specialist live-animal air cargo. Full CITES import/export documentation is handled by us. The bird travels in an IATA-approved crate with food, water, and ventilation.
The African Grey is listed on CITES Appendix I, the highest protection category. Import requires a UK CITES import permit and our Spanish CITES export permit. We manage all paperwork from our end; you apply for the UK import permit, which we assist you with.
Prices vary by age, subspecies, and availability. Please contact us at paraisodeloros@gmail.com for current pricing. All birds are sold with complete documentation — CITES certificate, health certificate, and ring identification.
They can be wonderful with children who treat them respectfully and calmly. However, they are emotionally sensitive and can be startled by unpredictable behaviour. We recommend supervision with young children and teaching children to read the bird's body language.
The minimum recommended cage is 90×60×120 cm (W×D×H), though larger is always better. Greys need space to climb, flap, and move freely. A play stand outside the cage for daily out-of-cage time is strongly recommended.
Contact us to discuss current availability, pricing, and the delivery process. We answer all enquiries promptly and without obligation.