Senegals in Ontario, Canada ~ Senegal Parrot - Poicephalus senegalus senegalus

Characteristics of the Senegal Parrot

~ Poicephalus senegalus senegalus

Length: About 24 cm ( 9.5 " )

Weight: Anywhere between 120 grams to 160 grams

Adults: The feathers of the head and face are grey. The ear-coverts has a silvery tinge to them. The upper breast, upper thighs and upper parts of the body are a nice bright grass green. The primaries and the tail are dark brown washed in olive green. The under wing coverts are bright yellow. The under tail coverts are bright yellow, deepening to orange at the centre of the abdomen. The bill is black. The periophthalmic ring and cere of skin is grey. The iris is yellow, feet grey and the toenails black.

Young: May be a duller shade of green and the head is a more washed olive brown. The iris is black, gradually changing to grey, then to greyish yellow. The beak is pinkish grey with darker grey tips.

Subspecies: There are 2 recognized suspecies. One is Poicephalus senegalus versteri - Red-bellied Parrot

Same size bird of 24 cm ( 9.5" ) and weight between 115 grams to 140 grams. The colour is a darker green on the breast, back and wings. It has a red abdomen.

This seperate race ranges from the Ivory Coast through Ghana, Togo and Dahomey into Western Nigeria.

Poicephalus senegalus mesotypus - Orange-bellied Parrot

Same size bird of 24 cm ( 9.5" ) and weight between 115 grams to 150 grams. The shade of green on the upper parts and breast is paler. With the green extending much farther down into the abdomen. The abdomen being orange.

This seperate race ranges in north-eastern and eastern Nigeria, as well as south-west Chad and northern Cameroon.

Origin: The nominate race can be found in Senegal and Gambia to Guinea, southern Mauritania and Mali.

Habitat: They are found singly, pairs, small groups in open forest and savannah woodlands outside of the breeding season, noisy when flying. Not swift flyers compared to other Poicephalus species. The numbers fluctuate in areas according to available food source. High pitch short screeches and whistling sounds.

Captivity: Fairly common in aviculture and popular as pets. They are great chewers, especially during the breeding season. Captive bred birds will breed between October to April in Canada. Sexual maturity around 3 years of age. Generally will breed between 3 - 4 years of age. Can be bred in a cage from 3' x 2.5' x 3' or larger, preferably in a darken quiet corner, indoors or outdoors. The nestbox can be made from wood or metal, with the size being 9.5" x 9.5" x 20" ( 24 x 24 x 50 cm ) with the entrance diameter of 3 inches. The female can lay anywhere between 3 to 4 eggs, with the incubation time of 26 days. The fledging period is around 66 to 72 days. They can double clutch a season.

They are a very peaceful, fairly quiet species, generally calm towards other species of birds. Can be excellent talkers. A gentle and sweet species. They easily bond with their owners. Enjoys chewing, playing, bathing, doing tricks and cuddling with its owners. Affectionate, clever and comical. Can entertain itself.

Life expectancy: 30 to 35 years

SENEGAL BABY PHOTOS UNTIL WEANING COMING SOON!