Interesting Facts about African Grey Parrots

These parrots are quite sensitive and intuitive. You won't realize it but they will pick up on any changes in their environment. So, you need to learn to read their body language in order to get a better understanding of their needs and wants.

For example, eye pinning is quite a characteristic behavior of these parrot species. Pinning refers to rapid enlarging and shrinking of the pupils in their eyes. If your bird's body is relaxed and its eyes pinning, it means that it is really focused on something interesting in the environment. On the other hand, if its eyes are pinning and its feathers puffed, be careful. It means that they are either frightened or angry.

You can easily make out if your bird is afraid by the behavior of your African Grey parrot. They will flatten their feathers, their eyes will be wide, they will breathe deeply, and their body may also tremble.

Grinding of the beak is a sign that your bird is quite content and is probably ready to go off to sleep. Provide lots of chewy toys for your African grey, since they love to chew. Growling is a sign that your bird is frightened. Try and find out what is scaring it and remove it from the environment.

African grey parrots express their love and affection for humans by pinning their eyes, bobbing their head, stretching their neck, and regurgitating. If you see her bow, it is time to scratch and pet her!

African grey parrots have a preen gland located at the base of the tail. When they rub their heads against this area of their body, oil is emitted which is then rubbed into their feathers. This is the process of preening. During this process, the birds clean each feather one at a time by sweeping its tongue along it.

Fluffing feathers is a sign that your bird is trying to relax and release some tension. However, if it is fluffed for a long time, she may be sick.

Feather plucking is probably the most worrisome behavior of your African grey parrot, especially for the Congo sub-species. The reason for feather picking could be nutritional deficiencies, bacterial infections, weather changes, or even psychological factors such as boredom or attention-seeking. If you do notice your exotic pet indulging in this behavior, it is time to take her for a thorough check-up to an avian vet.