Senegal Parrot – Poicephalus Senegalus
The Senegal Parrot hails from north central part of Africa. They used be imported to a number of suppliers around the United States and Europe. Since the legislation banning the import of birds caught in the wild this no longer occurs.
Any Senegal Parrot that you purchase these days should be rung with the date of birth being shown on the ring around its leg. The Senegal Parrot purchased today will be playful and cuddly pet. This is a species of parrot that can be trained to talk and enjoys hanging from anything that is put in its cage. The more they are handled the more your parrot will enjoy being in your company and ownership.
In general the Senegal Parrot is considered on of the quieter of the parrot family but with careful training and persistence from the owner they will become one of the clearer talking of the species.
They are recommended as the easy going members of the parrot family as they remain undemanding, unlike the African Grey who wants your attention the whole time you are near.
There are three subspecies of the Senegal Parrot.
They are:
Poicephalus senegalus senegalus which has a yellow rump
Poicephalus senegalus versteri which has a red rump
Poicephalus senegalus mesotypus which has an orange rump
In the wild all of these parrots live in moist woodland areas and can be seen on the edges of savannah vegetation. They feed on fruit, seeds and grains. One of their particular favourites is the seed of the locust bean. Another favourite is newly formed buds on a variety of trees. Rather like many other parrot species they are considered a pest by farmers because the love to rampage in the fields, eating the growing maize and millet.
Like other parrots the Senegal Parrot will nest in the hollow of some old tree.
