"African grey parrots have an uncanny ability to mimic speech. They grow to be up to 13 inches in length, and are Africa’s largest parrot. Their plumage can be various colors of grey, usually slightly darker on the wings and back, with a dramatic crimson tail. Like most parrots, the African grey has a hooked beak that is incredibly strong. While few facts are known about wild African grey parrot courtship, it is known that they are monogamous. The average clutch, or number of eggs laid in one nest, for the African grey is two to four eggs. The female incubates them alone, while her mate brings her food. After they hatch, both the male and female tend to the chicks.  African greys are found throughout the lowland rainforests in western and central Africa. They communicate with each other through high-pitched screams and clear whistles. At night they move away from feeding areas and roost together in groups; it is common to see over 100 birds perched in one tree! They prefer to roost high up in tree tops, especially perched on oil palm fronds." Rainforest Alliance

- photography property of Monica VanHarn