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Changed mention of bird "gender" to "sex" as the former does not refer to a biological concept applicable to non-human animals
 
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{{Short description|Species of bird}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2012}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2022}}
{{speciesbox
{{Speciesbox
| name = Senegal parrot
| name = Senegal parrot
| status = LC
| status = LC
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| status_ref = <ref name=IUCN>{{IUCN|id=22685295 |title=''Poicephalus senegalus'' |assessor=[[BirdLife International]] |version=2013.2 |year=2012 |accessdate=26 November 2013}}</ref>
| status_ref = <ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021">{{cite iucn |author=BirdLife International |date=2019 |title=''Poicephalus senegalus'' |volume=2019 |page=e.T22685295A155304773 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-3.RLTS.T22685295A155304773.en}}</ref>
| image = Poicephalus senegalus -Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain-8.jpg
| image = Poicephalus senegalus -Maspalomas, Gran Canaria, Canary Islands, Spain-8.jpg
| image_caption = In the Canary Islands, Spain
| image_caption = Adult male in the Canary Islands, Spain
| genus = Poicephalus
| genus = Poicephalus
| species = senegalus
| species = senegalus
Line 12: Line 13:
| subdivision_ranks = Subspecies
| subdivision_ranks = Subspecies
| subdivision = *''P. s. senegalus''
| subdivision = *''P. s. senegalus''
*''P. s. mesotypus''
*''P. s. versteri''
*''P. s. versteri''
| synonyms = ''Psittacus senegalus'' {{small|Linnaeus,&nbsp;1766}}
| synonyms = ''Psittacus senegalus'' {{small|Linnaeus,&nbsp;1766}}
| range_map = Poicephalus_senegalus_range_map.png
| range_map_caption =Range
}}
}}


The '''Senegal parrot''' (''Poicephalus senegalus'') is a ''[[Poicephalus]]'' [[parrot]] which is a resident breeder across a wide range of west Africa.<ref name=IUCN/><ref name="wingscc.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.wingscc.com/aps/senegal.htm |title=wingsscc.com - senegal parrot |accessdate=28 February 2007 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://archive.is/20130209102156/http://www.wingscc.com/aps/senegal.htm |archivedate=9 February 2013 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> It makes [[bird migration|migrations]] within west Africa,<ref name="IUCN"/> according to the availability of the fruit, seeds and blossoms which make up its diet. It is considered a farm pest in Africa, often feeding on [[maize]] or [[millet]].<ref name="wingscc.com"/> It is popular in aviculture.<ref name = "DA 2003"/>
The '''Senegal parrot''' ('''''Poicephalus senegalus''''') is a [[parrot]] which is a resident breeder across a wide range of west Africa.<ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021" /><ref name="wingscc.com">{{cite web |url=http://www.wingscc.com/aps/senegal.htm |title=wingsscc.com - senegal parrot |access-date=28 February 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130209102156/http://www.wingscc.com/aps/senegal.htm |archive-date=9 February 2013 }}</ref> It makes [[bird migration|migrations]] within west Africa,<ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021" /> according to the availability of the fruit, seeds and blossoms which make up its diet. It is considered a farm pest in Africa, often feeding on [[maize]] or [[millet]].<ref name="wingscc.com"/> It is popular in aviculture.<ref name = "DA 2003"/>


==Taxonomy==
==Taxonomy==
[[File:Senegal-parrot-montage-2.jpg|thumb|right|A pair of Senegal parrots in the wild at Hann Park, Dakar, Senegal]]
[[File:Senegal-parrot-montage-2.jpg|thumb|right|A pair of Senegal parrots in the wild at Hann Park, Dakar, Senegal]]
In 1760 the French zoologist [[Mathurin Jacques Brisson]] included a description of the Senegal parrot in his ''Ornithologie'' based on a specimen collected in Senegal. He used the French name ''La petite perruche du Sénégal'' and the Latin name ''Psittacula senegalensis''.<ref name=brisson>{{ cite book | last=Brisson | first=Mathurin Jacques | author-link=Mathurin Jacques Brisson | year=1760 | title=Ornithologie, ou, Méthode contenant la division des oiseaux en ordres, sections, genres, especes & leurs variétés | volume=Volume 4 | language=French, Latin | place=Paris | publisher=Jean-Baptiste Bauche | pages=400-402, Plate 23 fig 2 | url=https://biodiversitylibrary.org/page/36195519 }} The two stars (**) at the start of the section indicates that Brisson based his description on the examination of a specimen.</ref> Although Brisson coined Latin names, these do not conform to the [[binomial nomenclature|binomial system]] and are not recognised by the [[International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature]].<ref name=allen>{{cite journal |last=Allen | first=J.A. | author-link=Joel Asaph Allen | year=1910 | title=Collation of Brisson's genera of birds with those of Linnaeus |journal=Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History |volume=28 | pages=317–335 | url=http://digitallibrary.amnh.org/dspace/handle/2246/678}}</ref> When in 1766 the Swedish naturalist [[Carl Linnaeus]] updated his ''[[Systema Naturae]]'' for the [[12th edition of Systema Naturae|twelfth edition]] he added 240 species that had been previously described by Brisson.<ref name=allen/> One of these was the Senegal parrot. Linnaeus included a terse description, coined the [[binomial name]] ''Psittacus senegalus'' and cited Brisson's work.<ref>{{cite book | last=Linnaeus | first=Carl | authorlink=Carl Linnaeus | year=1766 | title=Systema naturae : per regna tria natura, secundum classes, ordines, genera, species, cum characteribus, differentiis, synonymis, locis | edition=12th | volume=Volume 1, Part 1 | publisher=Laurentii Salvii | place=Holmiae (Stockholm) | language=Latin | page=149 | url=https://biodiversitylibrary.org/page/42946345 }}</ref> This species is now placed in the [[genus]] ''[[Poicephalus]]'' which was introduced by the English naturalist [[William John Swainson]] in 1837.<ref>{{ cite book | last=Swainson | first=William John | author-link=William John Swainson | year=1837 | title=On the Natural History and Classification of Birds | volume=Volume 2 | place=London | publisher=John Taylor | page=301 | url=https://biodiversitylibrary.org/page/41945079 }}</ref>
In 1760, the French zoologist [[Mathurin Jacques Brisson]] included a description of the Senegal parrot in his ''Ornithologie'' based on a specimen collected in Senegal. He used the French name ''La petite perruche du Sénégal'' and the Latin name ''Psittacula senegalensis''.<ref name=brisson>{{ cite book | last=Brisson | first=Mathurin Jacques | author-link=Mathurin Jacques Brisson | year=1760 | title=Ornithologie, ou, Méthode contenant la division des oiseaux en ordres, sections, genres, especes & leurs variétés | volume=4 | language=French, Latin | place=Paris | publisher=Jean-Baptiste Bauche | pages=400–402, Plate 23 fig 2 | url=https://biodiversitylibrary.org/page/36195519 }} The two stars (**) at the start of the section indicates that Brisson based his description on the examination of a specimen.</ref> Although Brisson coined Latin names, these do not conform to the [[binomial nomenclature|binomial system]] and are not recognised by the [[International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature]].<ref name=allen>{{cite journal |last=Allen | first=J.A. | author-link=Joel Asaph Allen | year=1910 | title=Collation of Brisson's genera of birds with those of Linnaeus |journal=Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History |volume=28 | pages=317–335 | hdl=2246/678}}</ref> When in 1766 the Swedish naturalist [[Carl Linnaeus]] updated his ''[[Systema Naturae]]'' for the [[12th edition of Systema Naturae|twelfth edition]] he added 240 species that had been previously described by Brisson.<ref name=allen/> One of these was the Senegal parrot. Linnaeus included a terse description, coined the [[binomial name]] ''Psittacus senegalus'' and cited Brisson's work.<ref>{{cite book | last=Linnaeus | first=Carl | author-link=Carl Linnaeus | year=1766 | title=Systema naturae : per regna tria natura, secundum classes, ordines, genera, species, cum characteribus, differentiis, synonymis, locis | edition=12th | volume=1, Part 1 | publisher=Laurentii Salvii | place=Holmiae (Stockholm) | language=Latin | page=149 | url=https://biodiversitylibrary.org/page/42946345 }}</ref> This species is now placed in the [[genus]] ''[[Poicephalus]]'' which was introduced by the English naturalist [[William John Swainson]] in 1837.<ref>{{ cite book | last=Swainson | first=William John | author-link=William John Swainson | year=1837 | title=On the Natural History and Classification of Birds | volume=2 | place=London | publisher=John Taylor | page=301 | url=https://biodiversitylibrary.org/page/41945079 }}</ref>


There are two [[subspecies]].<ref name=ioc>{{cite web| editor1-last=Gill | editor1-first=Frank | editor1-link=Frank Gill (ornithologist) | editor2-last=Donsker | editor2-first=David | year=2018 | title=Parrots, cockatoos | work=World Bird List Version 8.1 | url=http://www.worldbirdnames.org/bow/parrots/ | publisher=International Ornithologists' Union | accessdate=4 April 2018 }}</ref>
There are two [[subspecies]].<ref name=ioc>{{cite web| editor1-last=Gill | editor1-first=Frank | editor1-link=Frank Gill (ornithologist) | editor2-last=Donsker | editor2-first=David | year=2018 | title=Parrots, cockatoos | work=World Bird List Version 8.1 | url=http://www.worldbirdnames.org/bow/parrots/ | publisher=International Ornithologists' Union | access-date=4 April 2018 }}</ref>
* ''P. s. senegalus'' (the nominate subspecies): this subspecies has a yellow vest; its native range includes Senegal, southern [[Mauritania]], southern [[Mali]] to [[Guinea]] and [[Lobos Island]].<ref name="wingscc.com"/>
* ''P. s. senegalus'' (the nominate subspecies): this subspecies has a yellow vest; its native range includes Senegal, southern [[Mauritania]], southern [[Mali]] to [[Guinea]] and [[Lobos Island]].<ref name="wingscc.com"/>
* ''P. s. versteri'': this subspecies has a deep-orange<ref name = "DA 2003"/>/red vest; its range is from the [[Côte d'Ivoire|Ivory Coast]] and [[Ghana]] east to western [[Nigeria]].<ref name="wingscc.com"/>
* ''P. s. versteri'': this subspecies has a deep-orange<ref name = "DA 2003"/>/red vest; its range is from the [[Côte d'Ivoire|Ivory Coast]] and [[Ghana]] east to western [[Nigeria]].<ref name="wingscc.com"/>
They do not differ in behaviour, but only in the colour of the "vest".<ref name="wingscc.com"/> In the pet trade, the nominate subspecies is the most common though both are raised and sold as pets.
They do not differ in behaviour, but only in the colour of the "vest".<ref name="wingscc.com"/> In the pet trade, the nominate subspecies is the most common though both are raised and sold as pets.


==Description==
==Description==
Senegal parrots are about {{convert|23|cm|in|abbr=off}} long, weigh about {{convert|120|to|170|g|oz|abbr=off}}.<ref name="wingscc.com"/> They have a relatively large head and beak for their overall size, and feathers form a short broad tail. Adults have a charcoal grey head, grey beak, bright yellow [[iris (anatomy)|iris]]es,<ref name="wingscc.com"/> green back and throat, and yellow underparts and rump. The yellow and green areas on a Senegal parrot's front form a V-shape resembling a yellow vest worn over green. Young [[Juvenile (organism)|Juvenile]]s have dark grey, almost black, irises, which change to light grey.
Senegal parrots are about {{convert|23|cm|in|abbr=off}} long, weigh about {{convert|120|to|170|g|oz|abbr=off}}.<ref name="wingscc.com"/> They have a relatively large head and beak for their overall size, and feathers form a short broad tail. Adults have a charcoal grey head, grey beak, bright yellow [[iris (anatomy)|iris]]es,<ref name="wingscc.com"/> green back and throat, and yellow underparts and rump. The yellow and green areas on a Senegal parrot's front form a V-shape resembling a yellow vest worn over green. Young [[Juvenile (organism)|Juvenile]]s have dark grey, almost black, irises, which change to light grey.


Senegal parrots are not [[sexual dimorphism|sexually dimorphic]], but there are some [[Hypothesis|hypotheses]] which sometimes might help to determine the [[gender]] of adult birds:
Senegal parrots are not [[sexual dimorphism|sexually dimorphic]], but there are some [[Hypothesis|hypotheses]] which sometimes might help to determine the sex of adult birds:


*The V-shape of the vest is usually longer in females; in females the green area extends down over the chest to between the legs, whereas in males the tip of the green area ends midway down the chest.<ref name="wingscc.com"/>
*The V-shape of the vest is usually longer in females; in females the green area extends down over the chest to between the legs, whereas in males the tip of the green area ends midway down the chest.<ref name="wingscc.com"/>
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*The under-tail covert feathers (short feathers under the base of the main tail feathers) are generally mostly yellow in the male and generally mostly green in the female.<ref name="wingscc.com"/>
*The under-tail covert feathers (short feathers under the base of the main tail feathers) are generally mostly yellow in the male and generally mostly green in the female.<ref name="wingscc.com"/>
*Males are generally, but not always, larger and heavier than female birds.<ref name="wingscc.com"/>
*Males are generally, but not always, larger and heavier than female birds.<ref name="wingscc.com"/>
*DNA testing is another way to determine the sex <ref>{{Cite web |title=Bird DNA Testing {{!}} Bird Sexing Test {{!}} DNA Diagnostics Center |url=https://dnacenter.com/testing-pets-vets/bird-dna-testing/ |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=DDC |language=en-US}}</ref>
⚫
Senegal parrots are birds of open woodland and [[savanna]].<ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021" /><ref name="wingscc.com"/> They flock most commonly in countries in West Africa.<ref name="Parrots Guide">{{Cite book |last1=Juniper |first1=Tony |last2=Parr |first2=Mike |title=Parrots - A Guide to the Parrots of the World |isbn=0-7136-6933-0 |page=379 |publisher=Christopher Helm |location=London, England |year=2003}}</ref> It is a gregarious species, continuously chattering with a range of whistling and squawking calls. Senegal parrots live an average of approximately 25–30 years in the wild, and have been known to live for 50 years in captivity.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.beautyofbirds.com/senegalparrots.html |title=Senegal Parrots aka Yellow-vented Parrots |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070601031024/http://www.beautyofbirds.com/senegalparrots.html |archive-date=1 June 2007 |access-date=28 August 2016}}</ref>


Research by Texas State University conducted in southeastern Senegal found that the parrots ate a diet of about 77% fruit, with figs (''Ficus sp.''), African grapes (''Lannea microcarpa''), and shea fruits (''Vitellaria paradoxa'') being the most commonly eaten. Seeds made up about 22% of the diet, and the remaining 1% consisted of flowers.<ref>{{Cite book |author=Reyes, Kaleigh R. |url=http://worldcat.org/oclc/1122933549 |title=Feeding ecology and habitat use of the Senegal parrot at Fongoli : possible implications for sympatric chimpanzees |oclc=1122933549}}</ref>
==Habitat==
⚫
Senegal parrots are birds of open woodland and [[savanna]].<ref name=IUCN/><ref name="wingscc.com"/> They flock most commonly in countries in West Africa.<ref name="Parrots Guide">{{Cite book |last1=Juniper |first1=Tony |last2=Parr |first2=Mike |title=Parrots - A Guide to the Parrots of the World |isbn=0-7136-6933-0 |page=379 |publisher=Christopher Helm |location=London, England |year=2003}}</ref> It is a gregarious species, continuously chattering with a range of whistling and squawking calls. Senegal parrots live an average of approximately 25–30 years in the wild, and have been known to live for 50 years in captivity.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.beautyofbirds.com/senegalparrots.html |title=Senegal Parrots aka Yellow-vented Parrots |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070601031024/http://www.beautyofbirds.com/senegalparrots.html |archivedate=1 June 2007 |accessdate=28 August 2016}}</ref>


==Behaviour==
==Behaviour==
[[File:Senegal Parrot -montage1.jpg|thumb|right|One parrot is feeding the other as part of bonding behaviour between a pair.]]
[[File:Senegal Parrot -montage1.jpg|thumb|right|One parrot is feeding the other as part of bonding behaviour between a pair.]]
Senegal parrots nest in holes in trees, often [[oil palm]]s, usually laying three to four white eggs.<ref name = "DA 2003">{{cite book |first = David| last = Alderton | authorlink=David Alderton | title = The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Caged and Aviary Birds | isbn = 1-84309-164-X |page= 222| publisher = Hermes House |location = London, England | year = 2003}}</ref> The eggs are about {{convert|3|cm|in|abbr=off}} long by {{convert|2.5|cm|in|0|abbr=off}} wide. The eggs are incubated by the female, starting after the second egg has been laid, for about 27 to 28 days. Newly hatched chicks have a sparse white down and they do not open their eyes until about two to three weeks after hatching. They are dependent on the female for food and warmth who remains in the nest most of the time until about four weeks after hatching when the chicks have enough feathers for heat insulation. During this time the male brings food for the female and chicks, and guards the nest site. From about two to four weeks after hatching the female also begins to collect food for the chicks. The chicks fly out of the nest at about 9 weeks and they become independent from their parents at about 12 weeks after hatching.<ref name="wingscc.com"/>
Senegal parrots nest in holes in trees, often [[oil palm]]s, usually laying three to four white eggs.<ref name = "DA 2003">{{cite book |first = David| last = Alderton | author-link=David Alderton | title = The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Caged and Aviary Birds | isbn = 1-84309-164-X |page= 222| publisher = Hermes House |location = London, England | year = 2003}}</ref> The eggs are about {{convert|3|cm|in|abbr=off}} long by {{convert|2.5|cm|in|0|abbr=off}} wide. The eggs are incubated by the female, starting after the second egg has been laid, for about 27 to 28 days. Newly hatched chicks have a sparse white down and they do not open their eyes until about two to three weeks after hatching. They are dependent on the female for food and warmth who remains in the nest most of the time until about four weeks after hatching when the chicks have enough feathers for heat insulation. During this time the male brings food for the female and chicks, and guards the nest site. From about two to four weeks after hatching the female also begins to collect food for the chicks. The chicks fly out of the nest at about 9 weeks and they become independent from their parents at about 12 weeks after hatching.<ref name="wingscc.com"/>


==Conservation status==
==Conservation status==
Because of its vast range in Africa, the wild Senegal parrot population is difficult to estimate.<ref name=IUCN/> Nevertheless, in 1981 concerns about extensive trapping of wild parrots for the pet trade led to it being listed on appendix 2 of The Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species ([[CITES]]), along with all parrot species.<ref name=IUCN/> This has made the trade, import and export of all wild caught parrots illegal.
Because of its vast range in Africa, the wild Senegal parrot population is difficult to estimate.<ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021" /> Nevertheless, in 1981 concerns about extensive trapping of wild parrots for the pet trade led to it being listed on appendix 2 of The Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species ([[CITES]]), along with all parrot species.<ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021" /> This has made the trade, import and export of all wild caught parrots illegal.


==Aviculture==
==Aviculture==


===Pets===
===Pets===
[[File:Senegal Parrot (Poicephalus senegalus) perching on concrete perch.jpg|right|thumb|Pet parrot in a cage with toys. The perch is made from a hard material to wear down the tips of claws.]]
[[File:Senegal Parrot (Poicephalus senegalus) perching on concrete perch.jpg|right|thumb|Pet parrot in a cage with toys. The perch is made from a hard material in an attempt to wear down the tips of claws. However, these type of perches tend to cause lesions on the bottoms of the feet and are not very effective at keeping the nails short.]]


Hand reared Senegal parrots are one of the most popular parrots to be kept as pets,<ref name=IUCN/> and the most popular [[Poicephalus]] parrot.<ref name = "DA 2003"/> Their calls are generally high pitched whistles and squawks along with mimics, but they are not as noisy as many other parrot species.<ref name=IUCN/> They make for a good companion and are quite friendly compared to other parrot species. Senegal parrots are independent at times, needing a very fair amount of sleep during the day. Keeping two as pets can very well aid the parrots social and physical health as they have a companion.
Hand reared Senegal parrots are one of the most popular parrots to be kept as pets,<ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021" /> and the most popular ''[[Poicephalus]]'' parrot.<ref name = "DA 2003"/> Their calls are generally high pitched whistles and squawks along with mimics, but they are not as noisy as many other parrot species.<ref name="iucn status 12 November 2021" /> They make for a good companion and are quite friendly compared to other parrot species. Senegal parrots are independent at times, needing a very fair amount of sleep during the day. Keeping two as pets can very well aid the parrots social and physical health as they have a companion.


Wild caught Senegal parrots do not usually become tame, and do not make good pets.<ref name="wingscc.com"/>
Wild caught Senegal parrots do not usually become tame, and do not make good pets.<ref name="wingscc.com"/>
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Senegal parrots are relatively easy to breed in captivity and there is a small industry in breeding and hand rearing Senegal parrots and other parrots for the pet trade. In aviculture Senegal parrots can start to breed at the age of 3 to 4 years in captivity, but some do not breed until age 5 years. Parent reared birds are known to breed as early as 2 years of age.<ref name="wingscc.com"/>
Senegal parrots are relatively easy to breed in captivity and there is a small industry in breeding and hand rearing Senegal parrots and other parrots for the pet trade. In aviculture Senegal parrots can start to breed at the age of 3 to 4 years in captivity, but some do not breed until age 5 years. Parent reared birds are known to breed as early as 2 years of age.<ref name="wingscc.com"/>


Senegal parrot [[nest box]]es can be any of a variety of sizes and shapes; but for example, a nest box about {{convert|18|in|cm|abbr=off}} high and {{convert|8|in|cm|abbr=off}} to {{convert|10|in|cm|abbr=off}} square would be suitable.<ref name="wingscc.com"/> An exit and entrance port about {{convert|2.5|in|cm|abbr=off}} in diameter would be suitable, and the birds may enlarge the port by chewing the wood. Nest boxes generally have a secure side door for inspecting the nest.
Senegal parrot [[nest box]]es can be any of a variety of sizes and shapes; but for example, a nest box about {{convert|18|in|cm|abbr=off}} high and {{convert|8|in|cm|abbr=off}} to {{convert|10|in|cm|abbr=off}} square would be suitable.<ref name="wingscc.com"/> An exit and entrance port about {{convert|2.5|in|cm|abbr=off}} in diameter would be suitable, and the birds may enlarge the port by chewing the wood. Nest boxes generally have a secure side door for inspecting the nest.


==Gallery==
==Gallery==
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File:Pet Senegal parrot.jpg|A pet adult showing yellow irises
File:Pet Senegal parrot.jpg|A pet adult showing yellow irises
Image:Senegal Parrot nestbox 26m07.JPG|Senegal parrot nest box
Image:Senegal Parrot nestbox 26m07.JPG|Senegal parrot nest box
Image:Senegal egg 10s06.JPG|Senegal parrot egg<br>(on 1&nbsp;cm grid)
Image:Senegal egg 10s06.JPG|Senegal parrot egg<br />(on 1&nbsp;cm grid)
</gallery>
</gallery>


==References==<!-- FieldianaZool51:91. -->
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

* ''Birds of The Gambia'' by Barlow, Wacher and Disley, {{ISBN|1-873403-32-1}}
* ''Birds of The Gambia'' by Barlow, Wacher and Disley, {{ISBN|1-873403-32-1}}
* Guide to the Senegal Parrot and its family. By M.S. Allan & D. Deter. Barron's. {{ISBN|0-7641-0332-6}}
* Guide to the Senegal Parrot and its family. By M.S. Allan & D. Deter. Barron's. {{ISBN|0-7641-0332-6}}
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{{Commons category|Poicephalus senegalus|Senegal parrot}}
{{Commons category|Poicephalus senegalus|Senegal parrot}}
* [http://theparrotforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=348 Collection of articles about Senegal parrots written by Senegal parrot owners]
* [http://theparrotforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=348 Collection of articles about Senegal parrots written by Senegal parrot owners]
* [https://archive.is/20130209102156/http://www.wingscc.com/aps/senegal.htm Source of information about Senegal parrots, weight distribution, and sexing]
* [https://archive.today/20130209102156/http://www.wingscc.com/aps/senegal.htm Source of information about Senegal parrots, weight distribution, and sexing]
* [http://TrainedParrot.com/Parrot_Market Capture and sale of wild Senegal parrots is still common in Africa]
* [http://TrainedParrot.com/Parrot_Market Capture and sale of wild Senegal parrots is still common in Africa]


{{Psittacini}}
{{Psittacini}}

{{Taxonbar|from=Q835926}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q835926}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:parrot, Senegal}}
[[Category:Poicephalus|Senegal parrot]]
[[Category:Poicephalus|Senegal parrot]]
[[Category:Parrots of Africa|Senegal]]
[[Category:Birds of West Africa]]
[[Category:Birds of West Africa]]
[[Category:Birds described in 1766|Senegal parrot]]
[[Category:Birds described in 1766|Senegal parrot]]

Latest revision as of 09:07, 18 December 2024

Senegal parrot
Adult male in the Canary Islands, Spain
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Psittaciformes
Family: Psittacidae
Genus: Poicephalus
Species:
P. senegalus
Binomial name
Poicephalus senegalus
(Linnaeus, 1766)
Subspecies
  • P. s. senegalus
  • P. s. versteri
Range
Synonyms

Psittacus senegalus Linnaeus, 1766

The Senegal parrot (Poicephalus senegalus) is a parrot which is a resident breeder across a wide range of west Africa.[1][2] It makes migrations within west Africa,[1] according to the availability of the fruit, seeds and blossoms which make up its diet. It is considered a farm pest in Africa, often feeding on maize or millet.[2] It is popular in aviculture.[3]

Taxonomy

[edit]
A pair of Senegal parrots in the wild at Hann Park, Dakar, Senegal

In 1760, the French zoologist Mathurin Jacques Brisson included a description of the Senegal parrot in his Ornithologie based on a specimen collected in Senegal. He used the French name La petite perruche du Sénégal and the Latin name Psittacula senegalensis.[4] Although Brisson coined Latin names, these do not conform to the binomial system and are not recognised by the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature.[5] When in 1766 the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus updated his Systema Naturae for the twelfth edition he added 240 species that had been previously described by Brisson.[5] One of these was the Senegal parrot. Linnaeus included a terse description, coined the binomial name Psittacus senegalus and cited Brisson's work.[6] This species is now placed in the genus Poicephalus which was introduced by the English naturalist William John Swainson in 1837.[7]

There are two subspecies.[8]

They do not differ in behaviour, but only in the colour of the "vest".[2] In the pet trade, the nominate subspecies is the most common though both are raised and sold as pets.

Description

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Senegal parrots are about 23 centimetres (9.1 inches) long, weigh about 120 to 170 grams (4.2 to 6.0 ounces).[2] They have a relatively large head and beak for their overall size, and feathers form a short broad tail. Adults have a charcoal grey head, grey beak, bright yellow irises,[2] green back and throat, and yellow underparts and rump. The yellow and green areas on a Senegal parrot's front form a V-shape resembling a yellow vest worn over green. Young Juveniles have dark grey, almost black, irises, which change to light grey.

Senegal parrots are not sexually dimorphic, but there are some hypotheses which sometimes might help to determine the sex of adult birds:

  • The V-shape of the vest is usually longer in females; in females the green area extends down over the chest to between the legs, whereas in males the tip of the green area ends midway down the chest.[2]
  • The female's beak and head are generally slightly smaller and narrower than the male's.[2]
  • The under-tail covert feathers (short feathers under the base of the main tail feathers) are generally mostly yellow in the male and generally mostly green in the female.[2]
  • Males are generally, but not always, larger and heavier than female birds.[2]
  • DNA testing is another way to determine the sex [9]

Senegal parrots are birds of open woodland and savanna.[1][2] They flock most commonly in countries in West Africa.[10] It is a gregarious species, continuously chattering with a range of whistling and squawking calls. Senegal parrots live an average of approximately 25–30 years in the wild, and have been known to live for 50 years in captivity.[11]

Research by Texas State University conducted in southeastern Senegal found that the parrots ate a diet of about 77% fruit, with figs (Ficus sp.), African grapes (Lannea microcarpa), and shea fruits (Vitellaria paradoxa) being the most commonly eaten. Seeds made up about 22% of the diet, and the remaining 1% consisted of flowers.[12]

Behaviour

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One parrot is feeding the other as part of bonding behaviour between a pair.

Senegal parrots nest in holes in trees, often oil palms, usually laying three to four white eggs.[3] The eggs are about 3 centimetres (1.2 inches) long by 2.5 centimetres (1 inch) wide. The eggs are incubated by the female, starting after the second egg has been laid, for about 27 to 28 days. Newly hatched chicks have a sparse white down and they do not open their eyes until about two to three weeks after hatching. They are dependent on the female for food and warmth who remains in the nest most of the time until about four weeks after hatching when the chicks have enough feathers for heat insulation. During this time the male brings food for the female and chicks, and guards the nest site. From about two to four weeks after hatching the female also begins to collect food for the chicks. The chicks fly out of the nest at about 9 weeks and they become independent from their parents at about 12 weeks after hatching.[2]

Conservation status

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Because of its vast range in Africa, the wild Senegal parrot population is difficult to estimate.[1] Nevertheless, in 1981 concerns about extensive trapping of wild parrots for the pet trade led to it being listed on appendix 2 of The Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), along with all parrot species.[1] This has made the trade, import and export of all wild caught parrots illegal.

Aviculture

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Pets

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Pet parrot in a cage with toys. The perch is made from a hard material in an attempt to wear down the tips of claws. However, these type of perches tend to cause lesions on the bottoms of the feet and are not very effective at keeping the nails short.

Hand reared Senegal parrots are one of the most popular parrots to be kept as pets,[1] and the most popular Poicephalus parrot.[3] Their calls are generally high pitched whistles and squawks along with mimics, but they are not as noisy as many other parrot species.[1] They make for a good companion and are quite friendly compared to other parrot species. Senegal parrots are independent at times, needing a very fair amount of sleep during the day. Keeping two as pets can very well aid the parrots social and physical health as they have a companion.

Wild caught Senegal parrots do not usually become tame, and do not make good pets.[2]

Breeding

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Senegal parrots are relatively easy to breed in captivity and there is a small industry in breeding and hand rearing Senegal parrots and other parrots for the pet trade. In aviculture Senegal parrots can start to breed at the age of 3 to 4 years in captivity, but some do not breed until age 5 years. Parent reared birds are known to breed as early as 2 years of age.[2]

Senegal parrot nest boxes can be any of a variety of sizes and shapes; but for example, a nest box about 18 inches (46 centimetres) high and 8 inches (20 centimetres) to 10 inches (25 centimetres) square would be suitable.[2] An exit and entrance port about 2.5 inches (6.4 centimetres) in diameter would be suitable, and the birds may enlarge the port by chewing the wood. Nest boxes generally have a secure side door for inspecting the nest.

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  • A pet juvenile. Its irises are grey.
    A pet juvenile. Its irises are grey.
  • Pet looking upwards
    Pet looking upwards
  • A pet adult showing yellow irises
    A pet adult showing yellow irises
  • Senegal parrot nest box
    Senegal parrot nest box
  • Senegal parrot egg (on 1 cm grid)
    Senegal parrot egg
    (on 1 cm grid)

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h BirdLife International (2019). "Poicephalus senegalus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2019: e.T22685295A155304773. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2019-3.RLTS.T22685295A155304773.en.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p "wingsscc.com - senegal parrot". Archived from the original on 9 February 2013. Retrieved 28 February 2007.
  3. ^ a b c d Alderton, David (2003). The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Caged and Aviary Birds. London, England: Hermes House. p. 222. ISBN 1-84309-164-X.
  4. ^ Brisson, Mathurin Jacques (1760). Ornithologie, ou, Méthode contenant la division des oiseaux en ordres, sections, genres, especes & leurs variétés (in French and Latin). Vol. 4. Paris: Jean-Baptiste Bauche. pp. 400–402, Plate 23 fig 2. The two stars (**) at the start of the section indicates that Brisson based his description on the examination of a specimen.
  5. ^ a b Allen, J.A. (1910). "Collation of Brisson's genera of birds with those of Linnaeus". Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History. 28: 317–335. hdl:2246/678.
  6. ^ Linnaeus, Carl (1766). Systema naturae : per regna tria natura, secundum classes, ordines, genera, species, cum characteribus, differentiis, synonymis, locis (in Latin). Vol. 1, Part 1 (12th ed.). Holmiae (Stockholm): Laurentii Salvii. p. 149.
  7. ^ Swainson, William John (1837). On the Natural History and Classification of Birds. Vol. 2. London: John Taylor. p. 301.
  8. ^ Gill, Frank; Donsker, David, eds. (2018). "Parrots, cockatoos". World Bird List Version 8.1. International Ornithologists' Union. Retrieved 4 April 2018.
  9. ^ "Bird DNA Testing | Bird Sexing Test | DNA Diagnostics Center". DDC. Retrieved 13 October 2022.
  10. ^ Juniper, Tony; Parr, Mike (2003). Parrots - A Guide to the Parrots of the World. London, England: Christopher Helm. p. 379. ISBN 0-7136-6933-0.
  11. ^ "Senegal Parrots aka Yellow-vented Parrots". Archived from the original on 1 June 2007. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  12. ^ Reyes, Kaleigh R. Feeding ecology and habitat use of the Senegal parrot at Fongoli : possible implications for sympatric chimpanzees. OCLC 1122933549.
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