Reproduction

How does the Senegal parrot produce its young?

Breeding takes place from September to November.

The nest is created within a tree hollow.

In to this hollow the female will deposit her clutch of between 2 and 4 white shelled eggs. Females incubate the eggs for around 28 days.

Young first leave the nest at nine weeks old but are not independent until 12 weeks old.

Sexual maturity occurs at 2 years old for females and 3 years old for males.

Behavior

What does the Senegal parrot do with its day?

It is most common for these birds to be seen in a small group though when food is plentiful larger flocks tend to form. This has become increasingly common as cultivated crops ripen at the same time.

These birds are considered shy and will fly off due to any disturbance.

Their vocalization is a whistling noise which becomes more raucous when threatened. These birds are able to mimic human voice. They will become nosier when excited.

Credit: Public Domain

Predators and Threats

What is impacting the survival of the Senegal parrot?

Populations of the Senegal parrot are currently believed to be deceasing but the species is still considered abundant.

The largest threat to the survival of the Senegal parrot is trade. Over the 30 years to 2014 over 800,000 were exported from Africa to fuel this trade. It is yet to be determined if this level of trade is sustainable for this species.

Some are also persecuted due to their habit of taking seeds from farmers fields.

Quick facts

They are also known as the yellow-billed parrot.

As a parrot they can hold food in their feet and lift it up to their head. They tend to favor either the left or right leg much like people with their hands.