The Niam-Niam parrot is a parrot nearly endemic to the Central African Republic, of the genus Poicephalus. It is a mostly green parrot with a grey-brown head and orange irises. The Niam Niam is one of the world's most poorly-known parrots, with little known of its conservation status, and was one of the last unphotographed birds in Africa until 2017.
Region
Central Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs patchily in the north-central African belt, centered on the Central African Republic with possible occurrences into adjacent South Sudan and Democratic Republic of the Congo. It favors wooded savannas, forest edges, riparian and gallery woodlands, and mosaics of secondary growth. Birds are typically seen in the canopy or along tree-lined watercourses. It is considered local and uncommon, and is easily overlooked due to quiet habits.
Altitude Range
400–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
A scarce and poorly known Poicephalus parrot, the Niam-Niam was one of the last African birds to be photographed in the wild (first clear photos emerged in 2017). It is mostly green with a grey-brown head and striking orange irises, and it tends to be shy and inconspicuous. Very little is published about its breeding ecology or population size, making it a priority for basic field research.
P. crassus have grey-brown heads, pale lower beaks, orange irises, and green bodies.
A Meyer's parrot (left) and a Niam-Niam parrot (right). The Meyer's parrot is smaller than the Niam-Niam. The Niam-Niam lacks yellow plumage.
This is the approximate range of the Niam-Niam parrot in central Africa.
The Niam-Niam parrot does not have yellow underwings like many other species of Poicephalus do.
Temperament
secretive and wary
Flight Pattern
strong flier with swift, direct flight
Social Behavior
Usually encountered singly, in pairs, or in small, loose groups. Likely nests in tree cavities like other Poicephalus parrots, with both parents attending the young. Outside breeding, it may join mixed-species feeding flocks at fruiting trees.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Vocalizations are infrequently recorded; known calls include short, harsh screeches and chattering notes. In flight it gives sharp contact calls; perched birds are generally quiet and may be overlooked.
