
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Poicephalus cryptoxanthus
A small parrot 22 cm long with a greyish-brown head and vivid green body, described as the greenest parrot of its region.
The brown-headed parrot (Poicephalus cryptoxanthus) is a small parrot of southeastern Africa. The general plumage colour is green - one guide calls it the greenest parrot of the sub-region - over a greyish-brown head. The nominate cryptoxanthus ranges from northern KwaZulu-Natal northwards to southern Mozambique and southeastern Zimbabwe, while the subspecies tanganyikae is distinguished by much paler, greener plumage with less brown on the head, throat, neck and rump. It occurs below 1,200 m in almost any woodland and riparian forest within open forest savanna, thornveld and dry woodland, and also in coconut plantations, mangroves and areas with large baobabs. In captivity 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. Clutches are of two to four eggs with fledging at eleven weeks. The species is uncommon in the trade.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Brown-headed Parrot lives 20-25 years.
The Brown-headed Parrot grows to 22cm (120-156g).
It is 22 cm long and weighs 120-156 g.
Origin
Southeastern Africa, from northern KwaZulu-Natal to southern Mozambique, southeastern Zimbabwe and Tanzania
Lifespan
20-25 years
Size
22cm (120-156g)
Sources: World Parrot Trust Parrot Encyclopedia / Wikipedia - Brown-headed parrot
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Poicephalus cryptoxanthus (W. Peters, 1854)
Synonyms: Pionias cryptoxanthus
Authority databases: GBIF
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Poicephalus cryptoxanthus. The order Psittaciformes is listed in CITES Appendix II except for species placed in Appendix I, so this species is Appendix II and international trade requires an export permit.
Sources: CITES Appendices (Appendix II) / IUCN Red List
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Temperature
15〜30℃
Humidity
40〜60%
Mixed seed, nuts, fruit, greens, vegetables and pellets
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.
It likes foot toys, destructible toys, food-finder toys and preening toys, with perches of differing texture and diameter.
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.
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.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The average lifespan of Brown-headed Parrot is 20-25 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Brown-headed Parrot typically reaches 22cm (120-156g) as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Brown-headed Parrot feeds on: Mixed seed, nuts, fruit, greens, vegetables and pellets. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Brown-headed Parrot varies significantly depending on variety, age, sex, and the individual animal's condition. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 16, 2026