From Sub-Saharan Africa, from north-eastern Cameroon and Chad across East Africa and south to northern South Africa. It lives in riverside and gallery woodland, acacia savanna, secondary growth and farmland.1
Feathered; compact parrot with a large head and short tail
A mostly grey-brown bird with a shiny turquoise to blue-green chest, belly and rump. Most birds show a yellow bar across the crown and yellow on the shoulders and thighs. The bill is dark grey and adult eyes are red-orange. The six subspecies differ in how much yellow they show and how bright the blue-green is.132
ColoursGrey-brown with turquoise belly and yellow markings (natural colour, varies by subspecies)13
Personality what they are like
An even-tempered, gentle parrot that likes to watch what is going on rather than demand the spotlight. It enjoys head and neck scratches, though it is not a cuddly bird. It clicks, whistles and copies household sounds, and some learn a few words.23
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Moderate. Content to sit and chew up toys; still needs daily time out of the cage and things to shred.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Enjoys bathing. Provide destructible toys, varied perches and fresh branches.1
Home where they are happiest
A spacious indoor cage (the World Parrot Trust suggests at least 1.8 m long) or a walk-in aviary of about 2.1 m, with horizontal bars for climbing.14
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Wild birds eat figs, marula and other fruits, green acacia pods and some insects. Pets do well on pellets plus fresh vegetables, fruit, sprouted seeds and cooked beans.12
Company who they like around
A social parrot that tends to bond with everyone in the household rather than just one person.2
The story where it all began
Cretzschmar described the species in 1827 and named it after the German ornithologist Bernhard Meyer. Once imported in large numbers, it is now bred for the pet trade and valued as a quiet, compact companion.32
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
It is named after the German ornithologist Bernhard Meyer.3
2
Wild birds usually travel in pairs or small groups but may gather in flocks of up to 50 at good feeding spots.1
3
In the pet trade, males are far more common than females.2
4
It can mimic household noises such as a microwave beep.2
Recognised by the official bits
Taxonomy
Described by Philipp Jakob Cretzschmar in 1827; six subspecies are recognised.3
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Meyer's Parrot?
Feed your Meyer's Parrot fresh food and water every day. Furry Diary's starting plan suggests providing fresh food and water daily. For exact amounts, check the food label and consult your vet. Pet Wiki plan
What does a Meyer's Parrot eat, and what should it never eat?
Meyer's Parrots thrive on a diet of high-quality pellets, fresh vegetables, fruit, sprouted seeds, and cooked beans. The input does not list specific foods to avoid, so please ask your vet for a list of unsafe foods for birds.21
How much space does a Meyer's Parrot need?
Your Meyer's Parrot needs a spacious cage, at least 1.8 meters long, or a walk-in aviary about 2.1 meters. The cage should have horizontal bars for climbing.14
What temperature, light or water does a Meyer's Parrot need?
Specific temperature and light requirements are not provided here. Provide fresh clean water daily. For temperature and lighting, consult an avian vet or a good breeder for recommendations tailored to your home.
How often should I clean a Meyer's Parrot's home?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests changing the cage liner every two days and doing a full cage clean once a week. Offer a bath every three days to keep your parrot happy. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Meyer's Parrot live with others?
Meyer's Parrots are social and bond with everyone in the household. Whether they can live with other birds depends on individual personalities; consult a breeder or vet for advice on introducing companions.2
How long does a Meyer's Parrot live?
A Meyer's Parrot can live 20 to 25 years with proper care.12
Can I handle a Meyer's Parrot?
Yes, you can handle your Meyer's Parrot gently. They enjoy head and neck scratches and benefit from daily time out of the cage. They are even-tempered and gentle, though not typically cuddly.23
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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