African Meyer's Parrot

Poicephalus meyeri

Imported in large numbers, is maybe only second to the Senegal for numbers held by breeders. Similar again in shape and size to the Senegal, Brown headed and Red Bellied. Also has red iris like the Red bellied. It is a brownish grey bird with yellow patches on the bend of the wings and thighs and dependent on subspecies also on the head. Has either a green wash or blue wash to its belly. It comes from Central and Eastern Africa, an extremely large land mass and is possibly split up into six subspecies:

Poicephalus meyeri meyeri (yellow on the head with a turquoise/bluish belly)
Poicephalus meyeri saturatus (yellow on the head with a green belly)
Poicephalus meyeri trasvaalensis (yellow on the head with a greenish belly )
Poicephalus meyeri matschiei (yellow on the head, bright blue belly)
Poicephalus meyeri damarensis (no yellow on the head turquoise belly)
Poicephalus meyeri reichenowi (no yellow on the head turquoise belly)

This species so far has been the most difficult to identify and separate the subspecies. As there are many conflicting identification reports published. The descriptions used such as blue /bluish and green / greenish is somewhat subjective. Also the natural range of these birds overlaps to such an extent that interbreeding has undoubtedly occurred in the wild. They have also been imported and held in captivity for quite some time, without breeders being aware of the existence of subspecies, the importance of separation or the ability to identify and separate the various subspecies. They have therefore bred one Meyers with another Meyers, without regard for color differences, as was also done with the Senegal. So that the resultant captive bred stock is sometimes difficult to establish which subspecies they may belong to, or maybe what hybrid they are. As remember some hybrids are not visual and will only reveal themselves to be hybrid in their future offspring. Maybe it is now too late, to save the various sub species of the Meyers in captivity. This is a cause that should maybe be taken up by people with a specific interest in Meyers to work together to establish a "standard" for these birds and attempt to breed to this. So that proper to type can be kept for future breeders.

But as a general guide for the time being, they are spilt up into the one's with yellow on the head and those that do not. Those with blue or bluish, under parts and those with green or greenish. Unfortunately that is the best I can do at present and suggest that breeders try to pair similar looking birds together until a better understanding of the subspecies has been established. Poicephalus Section Studbook keepers are currently working on this, and will hopefully publish a guide in the future. Please note be careful when trying to establish if your birds are damerensis or reichenowi some examples of the other species will not have yellow on the head until in adult plumage so make sure your bird is at least 18 months old.

Habitat: Again a bird that inhabits the moist woodland areas and the edges of the savannah like the Senegal Its diet is also similar, being made up of seeds, nuts, berries and cultivated grain.

Suitability as pets: Again as with the Senegal and Brown headed etc. these birds would make excellent pets for someone wanting a small parrot.

Breeding in captivity: Breeds freely when established. Again starts to breed at about 3 to 4 years of age. breeds in our winter months. They lay normally 3 to 4 eggs. They lay with a two day interval between eggs incubation is carried out by the hen and lasts for about 26 to 27 days incubation is usually after the 2nd egg has been laid. The young leave the nest at approximately 9 weeks are independent at about 12 to 13 weeks. The nest box size I can recommend is the same as the Senegal at 18" to 20 " high by 8" to 10 " square again filled with a wood shaving and peat mixture.

Accommodation: Similar to the Red Bellied and the other small Poicephalus species.

Sexing: Surgical or DNA is recommended, visually sexing can be attempted using the same method as for the brown headed i.e. the cock has a larger beak, larger head and the head tends to be flatter on the top.

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