Hello my name is King!
Psittacus Erithacus
I am a 14 year old African Grey Parrot. I arrived at The Hamilton Aviary in 2014 when I could no longer be taken care of by my owner. I may look all grey but I actually have a bright red tail! There are 2 species of African Greys, the Timnehs (who are a little smaller, a little darker, and have pale beaks) and Congos like me and my friend Cocoa who also used to live at The Aviary.
Likes
Power tools & trying to get inside cabinets
Dislikes
New things can be scary. Also hippos & bananas!
Fav Foods
Walnuts, pistachios & pepper seeds
What I Can Say
Hello
Hello King
About Me and Other African
Grey Parrots
My ancestors lived in Central and Western Africa, in lowland rainforests. African Greys are actually the biggest parrot in all of Africa! In the wild, many AGPs only live into their early 20s, whereas I, as a companion bird, will comfortably live 40-80 years.
We might not be as colourful as other parrots, but we are smart! AGPs are among the smartest birds in the world and are the best at mimicking human speech. Although, this doesn't mean every African Grey Parrot will talk. I, for example, say "Hello" but that's about it. I do love to mimic sound effects though like the doorbell, alarm system, telephone ringing, text tones, clicks and squeaks, and more!​​​
Unfortunately, since everyone wants a talking parrot, many wild African Greys were illegally captured. From 1982 to 2001 over 1.3 million wild-caught Greys entered international trade. Of these birds 30-66% died before reaching the airport!
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Many wild AGPs also suffer from habitat loss. We like to nest in tall trees that are increasingly targeted by loggers, so often lose our homes for breeding. Due to these hardships, and for sometimes being killed for food, African Grey Parrots are considered an endangered species.
What I'm up to Now
I was adopted by a FOTA Board Member!
When the sanctuary at Oak Knoll Drive closed its doors, I moved to Cambridge to live with my new family and feathered little sister Birdie the Cockatiel. It was definitely an adjustment, but I love my new home! You can still see me in my new role as an Ambassador Bird at community events!
Want to learn more about me?
Interested in Having Me Visit Your Next Event?
