The Senegal parrot is a parrot which is a resident breeder across a wide range of west Africa. It makes migrations within west Africa, according to the availability of the fruit, seeds and blossoms which make up its diet. It is considered a farm pest in Africa, often feeding on maize or millet. It is popular in aviculture.
Region
West Africa
Typical Environment
Occurs widely from Senegal and Gambia east through Guinea, Sierra Leone, Mali, Burkina Faso, and into northern Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon. It favors wooded savannas, open dry forests, gallery forests, and edges of cultivation. It adapts well to human-altered landscapes, often feeding in farmlands and orchards. Roosts communally in trees and uses natural cavities for nesting within these habitats.
Altitude Range
0–1500 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 4/5
The Senegal parrot is a small, robust African parrot admired for its calm disposition and clear, whistling calls. Belly color varies from yellow to deep orange depending on subspecies and locality. It is popular in aviculture and can learn to mimic simple phrases, though it is generally quieter than many other parrots. In its native range it sometimes raids crops, especially maize and millet.
One parrot is feeding the other as part of bonding behaviour between a pair.
Feral bird in the Canary Islands, Spain
Temperament
social and alert
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats with strong, direct flight
Social Behavior
Typically seen in pairs or small groups, forming larger flocks where food is abundant. Pairs are monogamous and nest in natural tree cavities, lining them sparsely with wood dust. They roost communally and show strong site fidelity outside of local food-driven movements.
Migratory Pattern
Partial migrant
Song Description
Vocalizations include clear whistles, sharp chits, and rasping squawks. Calls are frequent in flight and at dawn near roosts. Captive birds can mimic simple phrases and household sounds.
