© Noeleen du Toit / CC BY-SA 4.0Brown-headed Parrot
The brown-headed parrot is a compact 22 cm parrot known for its gray-brown head set against a vivid green body. Native to the woodlands of southeastern Africa, it's often described as the greenest of the region's parrots. With a calm, personable temperament, it can suit newcomers to mid-sized parrots, though its "intermediate" difficulty rating means some prior knowledge of vocalizations and biting behavior is still valuable. Its lifespan of 20 to 25 years means committing to a long-term relationship, and since it isn't widely available, finding one takes some patience.
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Brown-headed Parrot key facts
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Lifespan
- 20-25 years
- Size
- 22cm (120-156g)
- Diet
- Mixed seed, nuts, fruit, greens, vegetables and pellets
- Cage
- A walk-in aviary 2.1 m long, or an indoor cage at least 1.8 m long, is recommended, with a vertical nest box about 31 x 31 x 61 cm.
- Temperament
- It likes foot toys, destructible toys, food-finder toys and preening toys, with perches of differing texture and diameter.
- Vocalization
- The flight call is a series of loud strident notes rising in pitch, with high-pitched staccato notes as well, and feeding is accompanied by soft chattering.
- Notes
- Listed on CITES Appendix II, so import requires an export permit. The species is uncommon in the trade, so finding a captive-bred bird often takes time.
About Brown-headed Parrot
The brown-headed parrot is a small parrot with a gray-brown head and vivid green body. Learn about its temperament, care basics, and what to know before bringing one home.
7 things to know before welcoming a Brown-headed Parrot
1A Compact 22 cm Parrot
Adults reach about 22 cm in length and weigh roughly 120 to 156 g, a compact build. Choose a cage that gives them enough room to move, and provide daily out-of-cage time.
2An Intermediate-Level Bird
This species is rated as intermediate difficulty, so some prior experience handling parrots is helpful. First-time owners should research vocalization patterns and daily interaction needs beforehand.
3A Long 20-25 Year Lifespan
With a lifespan of 20 to 25 years, this is a long-term commitment. Consider future changes in your lifestyle and whether you can provide care for the bird's entire life.
4Native to Southeastern African Woodlands
Originating from the woodlands of southeastern Africa, this species is noted for its vivid green plumage, often described as the deepest green among the region's parrots. Keep its native climate in mind when managing room temperature and caring for it during molting.
5Limited Availability
This species isn't widely available, so opportunities to find one can be limited. If you're interested in welcoming one home, it's worth taking time to gather information patiently.
6Calm Temperament and Bonding
Generally considered calm and able to bond well with people, though individual temperament varies. Take time to build trust gradually after bringing the bird home, and prioritize daily interaction.
7Preparing the Home Environment
Before bringing one home, prepare an appropriately sized cage, perches, and toys. Give the bird a quiet space to settle in while it adjusts to its new environment.
Frequently asked questions about Brown-headed Parrot
- Q.Can beginners keep a brown-headed parrot?
- A.This species is rated as intermediate difficulty. If you have no prior experience keeping parrots, it's recommended to learn about vocalization and daily care needs before bringing one home.
- Q.How big does it grow?
- A.Adults reach about 22 cm in length and weigh roughly 120 to 156 g, making it a small parrot. Choose a cage and perches sized appropriately for its build.
- Q.What is its lifespan?
- A.Its lifespan is estimated at 20 to 25 years, making it a relatively long-lived species. Consider this long-term commitment before bringing one home.
- Q.Are there any CITES restrictions?
- A.Brown-headed Parrot is listed in CITES Appendix II. International trade requires a permit from the exporting country, but as far as CITES is concerned, no registration is needed to buy or sell individuals already legally in Japan.
- Q.What is its temperament like?
- A.It's generally considered calm and able to bond well with people, though this varies by individual. Building trust takes time after bringing the bird home.
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