The grey parrot, or African grey as it is commonly called, is one of the friendliest creatures in the world.
This is according to Springs resident Irene Venter, who is the proud owner of an African grey called Katanga.
“Katanga is 17 months old. What I love about her is her personality and how she can speak up to 100 words. They can live up to 80 years old,” said Venter.
She explained the parrots are expensive, high maintenance and originally from western Africa.
“She speaks English and Afrikaans but it is easy for her to pick up other languages. She eats sunflower seeds, fruits and vegetables, but not avocado.”
Also read: How to attract birds to your garden
Venter has always been interested in birds and said Katanga is a pleasant animal to have in her home.
“I am planning to have her for a long time, to a point where I am no longer here. She will be in my will and given to the right person,” she added.
Interesting facts about grey parrots
• The African grey parrot is monogamous, nesting solitarily in a tree with a hole for her eggs.
• One defence mechanism is fluffing up to look larger, and biting.
• The African grey is considered to be one of the most accomplished mimics.
• Parrots, when raised by humans, show an amazing ability to mimic people and noisy objects, but in the wild they have never been observed mimicking.
• These parrots have a long lifespan and can outlive their human owners.
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