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The genus Poicephalus are indigenous to Africa, of which there are nine species. The most common species found in the pet trade are the Senegal, Meyers, Red Bellied, Brown Headed and Jardines Parrots and we at Tikibird Aviary specialize in three of the five members. Poicephalus parrots not commonly found in the pet trade include the Cape and Ruppell's Parrots, as very few were imported to North America. The last two members of this genus include the Yellow-faced and Niam-niam Parrots which are not found in North American.
Since we specialize in the Senegal (Poicephalus senegalus), Meyers (Poicephalus meyeri), and Brown Headed (Poicephalus cryptoxanthus) Parrots we will concentrate on these three species.
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Senegal Parrots
(Poicephalus Senegalus)
Senegals have a dark grey head and neck Here converging into a bright green body and Wings. The lower breast and abdomen Vary from yellows to dark orange in a "V" or vest shaped pattern. Their beak and legs are both brown. Senegals are the most common of the Poicephalus family, as they were imported in great numbers in the early 80's. Senegals are known for their wild and crazy personalities. No one told them they were considered a small bird. They have a lot of action packed into a 9" body. Although not known as great talkers, some certainly can and do learn many words and phrases, but are especially talented whistlers and noise makes, they will have you running for the phone and microwave only to find out it was really your Senegal making the noise.
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Meyers Parrots
(Poicephalus meyeri)
The Meyers color pattern is beautiful and Here Unusual. Their heads, neck, back, breast, tail And wings are a light-medium brown color. The rump and uppertail coverts are green while the breast and abdomen and undertail are a bluish-green. The beak and feet are a dark grey. Meyers are the second most common of the Poicephalus family as a result of a great number of imports in the 80's. Meyers are slightly smaller than the Senegal at about 8" in length, but again have outgoing, clownish personalities. They are know to be slightly better talkers than the Senegal but with a sweet and tiny voice, but again they are know to be talented whistlers and noise makers. They are well known to maintain a sweet and pleasant personality.
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The Brown-headed Parrots
(Poicephalus cryptoxanthus)
The Brown-headed parrot is, in my opinion, the most underrated of the poicephalus species. They seem to be the least available and least expensive member of this group of parrots. The Brown-headed Parrot has a grayish brown head nd a mostly green body with bright yellow under the wings. The Brown-headed Parrot looks a little like a Senegal or Meyers Parrot with out the other colors. The Brown-head also retains the dark brown eyes of other juvenile poicephalus even as an adult. These birds seem to be the most even-tempered of all the poicephalus species making up for their lack of colors with a wonderful personality. Although not known as "talkers", a more delightful companion parrot would be hard to find.
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