The brown-necked parrot, sometimes known in aviculture as the uncape parrot, is a large Poicephalus parrot species endemic to Africa.
Region
Sub-Saharan Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily from West Africa east and southeast through savanna and woodland zones, with the nominate form in West Africa and the grey-headed form in south-central to southeastern Africa. It favors dry to moist woodlands, riparian gallery forests, and miombo and mopane habitats. Birds may range widely to follow seasonal fruiting and seeding trees. It also visits cultivated areas and palm stands when natural foods are abundant.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 1800 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 2/5
Also called the uncape parrot in aviculture, the brown-necked parrot was split taxonomically from the South African Cape parrot (Poicephalus robustus). It has a powerful bill for cracking hard seeds and nuts and is an important seed disperser in African woodlands. Generally quieter than some larger parrots, it can mimic but is less vocal than many companion parrot species.
Juvenile grey-headed parrot
Temperament
social and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with strong, direct flight between feeding sites
Social Behavior
Usually found in pairs or small groups, occasionally forming larger flocks at food sources. Monogamous pairs nest in tree cavities, often high in mature woodland trees. They show local movements tracking seasonal foods and may roost communally.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are carrying, harsh, and ringing, with repeated screeches and chattering contact calls. While capable of varied notes, their calls are more functional than melodious.
Plumage
Robust Poicephalus parrot with dusky to brown neck and nape, greyish head, and predominantly green body with darker wings. Underparts are bright green with an olive wash; mantle and back can appear olive-brown. The bill is strong and pale horn to grey, and the tail is dark with green edging.
Diet
Primarily feeds on fruits, nuts, and seeds, including figs, palms, marula, and various woodland tree seeds. Uses its strong bill to crack hard kernels and extract seeds. Also takes leaf buds and flowers, and may raid cultivated crops such as maize or fruit when available.
Preferred Environment
Forages in the mid- to upper canopy of woodlands and along forest edges. Often visits riparian corridors, palm groves, and fruiting trees in savanna mosaics, and occasionally enters orchards and farmlands.
