Senegal Parrot despite its colorful appearance and small size is incredibly tranquil and peaceful. Although it is not the most prolific talker, it can talk and mimic. It has a friendly, fun-loving demeanor, and its amusing antics are both engaging and lively.
This attractive bird is also less expensive than most parrots and more widely available than most tropical birds in pet stores. In Africa, this bird is regarded as a farm nuisance, eating primarily on maize or millet, and is often used in aviculture.
Contents Overview
History and Origin
The Senegal parrot is endemic to the woodlands of central Western Africa. Poicephalus is a genus of parrots that includes ten species from Central Africa. They are distinguished by their stocky bodies, short tails, and unusually large heads and beaks.
Senegal parrot belongs to a group of birds recognized for their excellent pet qualities, silence, and very placid demeanor. The Senegal Parrot is listed as a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN).
This species is currently classified as a member of the genus Poicephalus, which was named after the English scientist William John Swainson in 1837.
Characteristics of Senegal Parrot
Scientific classification
- Kingdom: Animalia
- Phylum: Chordata
- Class: Aves
- Order: Psittaciformes
- Family: Psittacidae
- Tribe: Psittacini
- Genus: Poicephalus
- Species: P. senegalus
Physical Characteristics
- Common Names: Senegal parrot, Sennies
- Scientific Name: Poicephalus senegalus
- Skin Type: Feathers
- Adult Size: 10 inches in length,
- Weight: 4 to 6 ounces
- Color: Grey, Yellow, Green, Orange
- Wingspan: 6 inches
- Life Expectancy: 50 years, Normally 20 to 30 years
- Average litter size: 2-4
Colors & Markings
The black head of these endearing tiny birds is a standout feature. The heads of mature Senegalese are grey, while their wings and chests are green.
They have a V-shaped band of color on their bellies that varies in hue from yellow to orange to red according on the subspecies.
The Senegal Parrot, which measures around 9 inches in length, isn’t as “flashy” as some other companion parrots of similar size.
They are predominantly dark green and brownish-gray in color, with an iridescent green throat, orange thighs, and a yellow chest.
Size of Senegal Parrot
The Senegal Parrot, unlike other companion parrots of similar size, is not a flamboyant bird. A Senegal parrot does not require a large cage due to its modest size. Their slightly larger head and beak which are both appear to be a bit enormous when compared to the rest of their body, are a distinctive feature.
The Senegal parrot is a bright West African bird with a grey head and green and orange plumage that is medium in size and weight. Senegal parrots measure around 23 centimeters (9.1 inches) in length and weigh between 120 and 170 grams (4.2 to 6.0 ounces).
Vocalization & Speech
Most people consider Senegal Parrots to be quiet, but when they are excited, alarmed, or upset, they can let out loud and piercing screeches. However, they do make good apartment birds because noise is rarely an issue.
Typical sounds they pick up include the phone ringing, whistling, microwave beeps, smoke alarms, and barking. They will quickly learn to imitate the natural calls of other birds in the house.
Many learn to say a few words quickly, but Senegal Parrots are not big talkers and prefer to speak slowly and in a limited manner, often with a high squeaky voice. However, some of them acquire a large vocabulary and phrases.
Temperament
Senegal has been hand-reared and socialized. Parrots are friendly and playful by nature, and they form strong bonds with their owners. Wild-caught or poorly socialized Senegal Parrots are often fearful of humans.
Senegal parrots are entertaining tiny parrots with a wide range of personalities. The Senegal Parrots are lively and entertaining. They stay fit and healthy by exercising and getting out of the cage on a regular basis.
These parrots are excellent at learning and mimicking words and sounds. They make high-pitched whistles and squawks, but they are not as loud as many other parrot species.
Lifespan & Cost of Senegal Parrot
Senegal Parrot Lifespan
For the intermediate bird keeper, the Senegal Parrot is a good pet. Senegals can be abrasive if they don’t get their way, therefore they might not be the best pet for a child.
In the wild, Senegal parrots live for about 25–30 years, while in captivity, they have been known to survive for up to 50 years. They can survive longer in captivity if they are well cared for.
Cost of Senegal Parrot
The price of a Senegal parrot can range from $200 to $500. In the event of illness or injury, veterinary care can cost $100 to $200 per year or more. Food can cost anywhere from $100 and $250 each year. Other costs, such as the cage, toys, and extra supplies, might cost anywhere from $50 to $500.
They are regarded for their friendly demeanor and lower price than their cousins, making them an excellent alternative for those looking for a “bigger” bird.
Natural Habitat of Senegal Parrot
Senegal parrots are savanna and open woodland birds. They are especially common in West African countries. It’s a social species that makes a variety of whistling and squawking cries all the time.
The Senegal parrot is a common bird in the wild and in captivity, with nesting grounds scattered across the West African continent.
They congregate in savannahs, oil palm plantations, and open forest regions, always near a source of fresh water. Their raucous chatting with whistles and caws as they roost makes them clearly identifiable in the wild.
Health Problems
Aspergillosis, a common fungal illness in these birds, is the greatest health concern for Senegal and other Poicephalus parrots.
Another viral disease that can affect Senegal parrots is Bornavirus. Keep an eye out for sluggish digestion and weight loss. This disease is primarily spread by sick birds and might go unnoticed for years before symptoms appear.
Senegalese can grow overweight if they eat mostly seeds and do not consume enough fresh fruits and vegetables.
Diet and Nutrition
The Senegal parrot consumes largely fruit, seeds, and blooms in the wild. Pet Senegals should be fed a various diet that includes fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy seeds like flax, hemp, and chia seed, tree nuts, and a high-quality prepared pelleted diet.
Feed Senegalese 1/4 cup of food per day on average. Every morning, provide a seed/pellet designed combination. Give the bird as much as it will eat. Fruits and vegetables can be used to supplement pellet food.
Birds, like other companions, require clean food and water in clean containers on a daily basis. Feeding an all-seed diet is not recommended. Due to nutritional deficits, this diet is extremely unhealthy and may result in illnesses or even death.
Exercise & Activity
A Senegal parrot should spend at least one hour every day outside of its cage, on a play stand or other bird-safe place. Toys such as little foot toys, bells, balls, chewable leather, and wood toys should be available. These items will keep Senegal occupied while it is out of its confinement.
Climbing is one of their favorite activities, and they can be quite the acrobats. Swings, ladders, and other items to investigate will be appreciated by these birds.
Facts About Senegal Parrot
- Senegal parrots have high-pitched whistles and squawks in their calls, but they are not as loud as many other parrot species.
- The beak acts as a kind of third limb, allowing them to climb trees quickly.
- The Senegal parrot, like humans, can favor their left or right foot.
- Senegal parrots aren’t known for their capacity to speak, although they can learn a few dozen words.
- To develop and consolidate their social relationships, Senegal parrots engage in mutual feeding and preening behavior.
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