Why does my parrot have white feathers?

The white feather you should probably pay attention to, whenever you see it, is the one at the base of the tail/lower back region. It’s the uropygial gland, aka preen gland. Not all parrots have it, but many do. The gland can sometimes get infected or impacted which can bother the bird.

What kind of bird is the Senegal parrot?

There are three subspecies of Senegal: The Poicephalus senegalus is on the IUCN Red List for Endangered Species as Least Concern (LC). For its size, the Senegal Parrot or Yellow-vented Parrot, appears to have a large beak and head. The head is gray and it has a mostly green body. The breast and belly ranges in color from lime-yellow to deep orange.

What kind of parrot is found in West Africa?

The Senegal Parrot or Yellow-vented Parrot Poicephalus senegalus was first described by Linnaeus in 1766. They can be found across a wide range of West Africa. They migrate within West Africa based on availability of food which consists of fruits, seeds and blossoms.

When do Senegal parrots hatch in the wild?

In the wild breeding takes place toward the end of the rainy season which occurs in the fall from September to November in Africa. Senegal Parrots nest in a hollow tree at a considerable height from the ground. The female lays 3 – 4 eggs and the female incubates the eggs starting after the second egg is laid.

What to do if your Senegal parrot is sick?

If you notice any of this bird illnesses in your Senegal, immediately provide a warm, draft free, secure environment kept at about 86°F (30°C). Place food and water close to the perch where it is easily accessible. An ailing parrot should be taken to a avian veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

What should I know about owning a Senegal parrot?

Those interested in owning a Senegal should be willing to make time for handling and socialization with the bird every day. Interaction time is rarely a burden since these birds are often content to sit on your shoulder. The main health concern for a Senegal and other Poicephalus parrots is Aspergillosis, a common fungal disease in birds.

How does a Senegal parrot sleep at night?

Senegal Parrots often sleep standing on one foot with their head turned around 180 degrees back and tucked into their feathers. They do this to keep the bill and feet under feather to keep them warm. Birds lose the most heat through their feet and beak so by hiding those at night they can relax by creating the least heat possible.

Is the Senegal parrot listed as an endangered species?

Like other parrots, this bird is listed in Appendix 2 of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Trade of birds trapped in the wild is illegal, but fortunately, the Senegal breeds very well in captivity. Prospective owners usually have no trouble finding captive-bred pets.

If you notice any of this bird illnesses in your Senegal, immediately provide a warm, draft free, secure environment kept at about 86°F (30°C). Place food and water close to the perch where it is easily accessible. An ailing parrot should be taken to a avian veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.