There is little difference between the Cameroon & the Congo / Kongo Greys. Some importers / bird sellers try to label their regional origin according to their size and color variation. Oftentimes parrots from different regions were all "pooled" into one container during shipment, and then afterwards separated and "categorized" as Cameroon or Congo depending on their coloration. One speculates that diet is a large factor in why some greys are larger and lighter in color than others; and indeed some areas contain more or less minerals in the parrots' food items causing size / color differences. Still, it seems that the color / size is not a reliable identifyer. Color and size differences also occur in the different regions.
Therefore, many breeders specifically use only "Congo Grey" and "Timney Grey" as the existing sub-species. Timneh Greys are distinctly smaller and darker than the Congo Grey, and their tails are maroon, rather than bright red, such as is the case with the Congo Greys. Both sub-species make equally wonderful pets - although some prefer one over the other - depending on their personal experiences and depending on what species they are more familiar with ... In my case, there hasn't been an African Grey yet, that I haven't fallen in love with.
African Greys usually bond with one person. They wouldn't do well with most children, as they are not very patient and will bite if they are being handled. Mind you, which parrot wouldn't ... For kids, I would always recommend parakeets and cockatiels..
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Species of African Greys:
Cameroon Grey Parrots: From the Cameroon Region of Africa and Central Africa.
Congo / Kongo Grey Parrots:
Congos are magnificent birds that are perhaps some of the most talented mimics of the avian world. Hand-fed birds make excellent pets and are perfect when a quieter parrot is in order.
They are sensitive and very intelligent. Toys are a must for these "bird brains" as well as an affectionate owner.
We do not recommend manzanita perches for young greys as they can be rather slippery when wet.
Description:
Length: 33 cm (13 ins) ... Plumage is pale to dark grey. The facial area is whitish. The head feathers have a pale edging, and the abdomen feathers have a dark grey edging. Lower back is light grey; primaries are grey-blackish; tail and adjacent tail-coverts are red. The bill is black. Iris pale yellow in adult birds, and black / dark brown in juveniles. Adults usually have bright-red tail, while youngsters have dark grey / maroon tails, which usually turn red within a year or so. The feet are dark grey. Greys from Nigeria usually have darker wing-coverts. Congo Greys are on average larger. Occasionally birds occur with some or many salmon-pink feathers, which is within color variation of species.
Distribution:
Southeast Ivory Coast east to western Kenya and south to northern Angola, southern Congo and northwest Tanzania; islands of Fernando Poo and Principé; possibly isolated population in Kilimanjaro area, Tanzania.
Ghana African Grey Parrots:
The Ghan Grey is the third subspecies of African Grey. The first being the Congo African Grey (note this breed is also referred to as a Ghana by some fanciers), followed by the Timneh African Grey. The Ghana Grey is very similar to the Congo African Grey in appearance, the only difference being a a slightly darker plumage, and it might be somewhat smaller than the Congo. The existence of the Ghana African Grey has been questioned by many expert. The debate centers on its distinction from the Congo African Grey. Many claim that it may have at one time been a distinct breed, but interbreeding with the Congo Grey has wiped away any genetic variation between the two. Others feel that there has always been much migration between the islands and the mainland that there was probably never any distinction to begin with. Whichever the case, most claim that if the Ghana Grey was ever a distinct species, it probably is no longer today.
Distribution:
Islands of Principé and Fernando Poo in the Gulf of Guinea. From Ghana or the more western regions of Africa such as the Ivory Coast and Guinea
Timneh Greys Parrots:
Timneh African Greys Parrots are a bit smaller and less well known than the larger Congo Grey. They equal the Congo's in pet potential and "talking" ability. They are darker grey in color and have a maroon tail. We have found hand fed Timneh's to be playful and affectionate. They need a "grey" sized parrot cage, lots of stimulating toys and an affectionate owner. Timneh's bond closely with their owners and delight in being part of the family. Our breeding Timneh's are on a pelleted diet with the addition of fresh fruits and veggies
Description:
Timnehs look similar to the larger Congo greys, except for some distinctive differences; they are more slender, weighing in at 275-375 grams; length: 30 - 31 cm (12 - 12.4 ins). Their upper beak is bone-colored instead of black, and their feathering is much darker than a Congo's. Their tail feathers are a deep lustrous maroon, as opposed to the Congo - who has a bright red tail. Timnehs retain the white mask of their larger cousins, and many people find that their faces can be extremely expressive.
Immatures as adult, but dark irises.
Distribution:
Islands of Gulf of Guinea, Southern Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Western Parts of Ivory Coast
Habitat:
Lowland forest, savannah with trees, savannah woodland and mangrove areas near coast; avoids human settlement.
Breeding:
Average clutch size: 3 to 4 eggsIncubation: 28 - 30 days
Status:
Common; but timneh population especially endangered in localities by trapping.
Habits:
In pairs or small groups during day; gather towards dusk on tall palms or trees at forest edge, along rivers or lakes. Shy; usually not approachable; visits rivers and lakes during day to drink. Noisy and conspicuous during flight, but quiet when feeding. Call consists of loud screeches and melodic, whistling sounds, and alarm call raucous.
Diet:
Natural diet: seeds, nuts, fruits, berries and nectar; prefers fruit of oil palm. Occasionally forages in millet fields.
Breeding Behavior:
Breeding season in Uganda and the Congo from July to September, in Nigeria and Liberia from December to April. Nests in tall, dead trees; in one case 30 m (100 ft) above ground; nest hollow was 60 cm (24 ins) deep and lined with decaying wood. Clutch size: 3 to 4 eggs; egg measures 39.4 x 31.0 mm (1.55 x 1.22 ins). Enjoy chewing, provide a regular supply of fresh branches.
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