Eclectus vs African Grey: full comparison for UK buyers. Intelligence, talking, diet, care needs, temperament, and which is better for your lifestyle.
Eclectus roratus
| Size | 35 cm, 400–570g |
| Lifespan | 30–50 years |
| Noise | Moderate |
| Talking | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| CITES | Appendix II |
| UK Price | £1,200–£2,500 |
Psittacus erithacus
| Size | 33 cm, 400–650g |
| Lifespan | 50–70 years |
| Noise | Moderate–High |
| Talking | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| CITES | Appendix I |
| UK Price | £1,500–£3,500 |
| Factor | Eclectus | African Grey |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence | Very high | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Highest documented cognitive ability |
| Talking | Good (clear, contextual) | Outstanding (500–1,000+ words; contextual) |
| Dietary needs | Unique — fresh-food heavy; sensitive to additives | Standard pelleted diet + fresh food |
| Emotional complexity | Moderate | Very high — sensitive, routine-dependent |
| Visual appeal | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Striking male/female colour difference | Understated (grey with red tail) |
| CITES status | Appendix II | Appendix I |
| Price | £1,200–£2,500 | £1,500–£3,500 |
Choose an Eclectus if: visual spectacle (the dramatic sexual dimorphism) is a priority; you are prepared for their unique, fresh-food-heavy dietary needs; you want a slightly calmer companion than an African Grey. Choose an African Grey if: you want the most cognitively engaging, linguistically capable parrot companion available and are fully prepared for their emotional complexity.
The Eclectus. Their long digestive tract makes them unusually sensitive to diet quality and food additives. The African Grey has specific calcium needs but is less demanding in terms of overall dietary complexity.
Browse our current availability and get in touch for pricing, delivery timelines, and documentation details.