African Grey vs Amazon Parrot: full comparison of intelligence, talking ability, temperament, care needs, noise, and price for UK buyers.
Psittacus erithacus
| Size | 33 cm, 400–650g |
| Lifespan | 50–70 years |
| Noise | Moderate–High |
| Talking | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| CITES | Appendix I |
| UK Price | £1,500–£3,500 |
Amazona spp.
| Size | 28–45 cm, 300–700g |
| Lifespan | 40–60 years |
| Noise | Loud |
| Talking | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| CITES | II (most) / I (some) |
| UK Price | £700–£4,000 |
| Factor | African Grey | Amazon Parrot |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ World's most cognitively complex parrot | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highly intelligent; excellent contextual awareness |
| Talking ability | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 500–1,000+ words; contextual use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 100–300 words; excellent clarity |
| Noise level | Moderate — variable; contact calls | Loud — especially dawn and dusk |
| Beginner suitable? | No — complex emotional needs | Moderate — assertive personality |
| Social needs | High — sensitive, routine-dependent | Moderate–High — outgoing, can be independent |
| Lifespan | 50–70 years | 40–60 years |
| CITES status | Appendix I | Appendix I (Yellow-Naped, DYH) / II (Blue-Fronted) |
Choose an African Grey if: you want the most intellectually stimulating parrot companion available; you are prepared for its emotional complexity and sensitivity; you can provide consistent daily mental engagement.
Choose an Amazon if: you want a bold, entertaining, outgoing bird; you enjoy a parrot that performs and shows off; you are comfortable with louder vocalisations and seasonal hormonal behaviour.
Amazons are generally more robust and tolerant of family activity than African Greys, which are sensitive to stress and routine disruption. A Blue-Fronted Amazon in a busy household is often more comfortable than an African Grey in the same environment.
African Greys produce larger vocabularies and demonstrate more contextual language use. Amazons are arguably clearer and more dramatic in their delivery, but African Greys generally produce more words and more sophisticated language behaviour.
Browse our current availability and get in touch for pricing, delivery timelines, and documentation details.