The Poicephalus Parrots
Poicephalus Parrots are a playful group of pet birds
The parrots that are part of the Poicephalus genus are playful and entertaining.
These parrots are very similar, but they are also different in their own way. They do not have a common name (like “Amazons” or “Cockatoos”), but they are a part of the same genus and are grouped as such.
The birds included in this genus are the Brown-Headed, Jardine’s, Meyer’s, Red-Bellied, Senegal, and Cape/Un-Cape parrots. They are all excellent pets that share many similarities but also have their own unique differences. Red-bellies are sweet and comical, Meyer’s are curious and can be nippy, Jardine’s are acrobatic and mischevious, and the Cape/Un-Cape are gentle, sweet, and cuddly.
If you’re looking for a bird that acts like a large parrot but is in a more compact package, and if you are willing to put in the time and effort to earn their love, then these may be the right birds for you.
Types of Poicephalus Parrots
Fast Facts
| Name | (Poicephalus) |
| Origin | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Size | 9-13 in. |
| Color Differences | Vary widely between subspecies. |
| Owner | Need a more experienced bird owner to get them through that nippy stage. |
| Average Cost | $200-600 |
| Lifespan | 25-40 years |
| Noise | Depends on subspecies |
| Qualities | Depends on subspecies, but most are intelligent, curious, great sense of humor, entertaining, good family pet, can become a one-person bird if not socialized well, go through a nippy stage, some are cuddly and affectionate, fair talkers, good at imitating sounds, enjoy chewing, good around children, loving, and playful. |
| Abilities | Good–Most can learn how to talk and learn tricks, but it depends on the subspecies and each individual bird. |
| Interaction/Time Requirements | They are independent and content to play on their own, but they should be handled daily and interact with more than one person or they may become nippy. |
| Diet | They need a diet for medium birds. |
| Supplies Needed | They need supplies for medium birds. |
Poicephalus Videos
“Senegal Parrot Talking and Singing”
Poicephalus parrots can be very good talkers. This video is a great example of a Senegal’s talking ability and possible vocabulary.
“Cuddly Jardines Parrot”
Poicephalus parrots can also be very affectionate and cuddly. This video (of a Jardine’s parrot) shows how affectionate they can be.
“Red bellied parrot”
Poicephalus are also very playful (and stubborn!) parrots. This video is a great example of how playful and comical these parrots can be.
Poicephalus Training
Poicephalus parrots, like most medium-sized parrots, can be very nippy. You definitely need to know how to train yourPoicephalus if you want him to be hand tamed and enjoy spending time with you and your friends/family. However, if you don’t know how to train a Poicephalus, you may have difficulty even getting your bird out of his cage.
For this reason, we highly recommend that you find an effective training program for your Poicephalus parrot. Whether your parrot is new to your home or you’ve had him for years, a training program will always come in handy. We personally recommend the Bird Tricks Parrot Training Course by Dave and Jamieleigh Womach. You can see many of their videos for free to get an idea of how much they know about parrots and how they can help you train yours.
Below is one of Dave’s videos about stopping your parrot’s biting. This technique is perfect for Red-Bellied parrots. This video is a great example of how effective the training courses can be and how they are filled with a wealth of useful information for any bird owner.
This video is only the first step in getting your bird hand tamed. We highly recommend checking out the BirdTricks Training Course for taming your parrot even further.
For more information about Dave and Jamieleigh’s courses, you can visit the Bird Tricks website HERE.
Poicephalus Education
To learn more about your pet Poicephalus, we recommend these books:
| Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Guide to the Senegal Parrot and Its Family | Prime | Add to Cart | |
 | The African Brown-Headed Parrot | PrimeEligible | Add to Cart | |
 | Parrot Parenting: The Essential Care and Training Guide to +20 Parrot Species (Birdtalk) | Prime | Add to Cart | |
 | Guide to a Well-Behaved Parrot (Barron's) | PrimeEligible | Add to Cart |
Poicephalus Gifts
Have a friend of family member who loves Poicephalus parrots? Gift them something that will truly spark joy!
| Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Me and My Senegal Parrot Journal | PrimeEligible | Add to Cart | |
 | Senegal Parrot Soft Fleece Throw Blanket | Prime | Add to Cart | |
 | I Heart My Red-Bellied Parrot Canvas Tote Bag | Prime | Add to Cart | |
 | I Love My Meyer's Parrot T-Shirt | Prime | Add to Cart | |
 | Love Hurts Meyers Parrot Pullover Hoodie | PrimeEligible | Add to Cart | |
 | Proud Jardine Parrot Mom: A Jardine Parrot Owner Notebook Journal | PrimeEligible | Add to Cart | |
 | Jardine Parrot Coffee Mug | Prime | Add to Cart |
Related Articles:
- The Essential Poicephalus Supplies Checklist
- The 3 Must-Have Perches
- The Best Food For Your Poicephalus
- Find The Best Poicephalus Cage
- Toys Your Poicephalus Will Love
Have A Great Story About Your Poicephalus?
Share your experience with others! There’s no better way to learn about a pet bird than from an owner.
Some helpful information for potential owners can be: What is the species of your bird? Is he/she friendly? Loving? Cuddly? Talented? Messy? Loud? You get the idea!
Your comment may just help someone decide whether or not this pet bird is for them.
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!