Hello my name
is Winston!
Psittacus Erithacus
I am a 20 year old African Grey Parrot who entered into The Friends of the Aviary's foster program in August of 2024. I was one of the first birds to come into the program, with my friends Sierra, Oscar, and Merlin when our owner passed away. I may look all grey, but I actually have a bright red tail! There are 2 species of grey parrots, the Timnehs (who are a little smaller, a little darker, and have pale beaks) and Congo African Greys like me, King, and Cocoa.
Likes
Anything cardboard
Head Scritches
Training!
Dislikes
Towels & Paper Towels. Leaving the floor when I'm exploring
Fav Foods
Almonds in and out of the shell, Broccoli and Bananas!
What I Can Say
Hello, Winston, Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas, Happy Bird, Peekaboo, etc
Friends
I used to live with other birds and dogs, but likely didn't interact with them.
About Me and Other African
Grey Parrots
We might not be as colourful as other parrots, but we are smart! AGPs are among the smartest birds in the world and are the best at mimicking human speech. Although, this doesn't mean every African Grey Parrot will talk. I however have a wide variety of words and sound effects in my repertoire! So far my foster family has heard me say 35+ words and lots of noises including a turkey gobbling impression, kisses, laughing, and lots of squeaks and whistles ranging in a high to low pitch. They are excited to see if I know anymore words or start picking up some from them, but I do tend to be secretive and talk more if they are in a different room!
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My ancestors lived in Central and Western Africa, in lowland rainforests. African Greys are actually the biggest parrot in all of Africa! In the wild, many AGPs only live into their early 20s, whereas I, as a companion bird, will comfortably live 40-80 years.
Unfortunately, since everyone wants a talking parrot, many wild African Greys were illegally captured. From 1982 to 2001 over 1.3 million wild-caught Greys entered international trade. Of these birds 30-66% died before reaching the airport!
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Many wild AGPs also suffer from habitat loss. We like to nest in tall trees that are increasingly targeted by loggers, so often lose our homes for breeding. Due to these hardships, and for sometimes being killed for food, African Grey Parrots are considered an endangered species.
What I'm up to Now
I got Adopted!
I'm so excited to say I moved into my forever home in February 2025! I have 2 feathered siblings who are adjusting fairly well to a new addition and my people already adore me. I have been exploring my new house, getting along great with my family, and even building my confidence to fly. I am so excited for them to learn all about me and share my growing vocabulary :)
Interested in Adopting a FOTA bird?
Interested in Donating to a Foster Bird's Care?
"Happy Birthday!"
Listen to Winston by pressing play!
"Do you have a kiss for me?"
Listen to Winston by pressing play!
"Say Hello"
Listen to Winston by pressing play!
