Meyer's Parrot

Overview

Meyer's Parrot is widespread across savanna and woodland habitats of eastern and southern Africa. Its overall muted coloring is set off by patches of brighter color on the shoulders, crown, and underparts.

• Stocky, short-tailed Poicephalus build
• Coloring varies somewhat between the many recognized subspecies
• Pale eye ring visible at close range

Feather Identification

Head, back, and breast feathers are brownish-grey, contrasting with a turquoise-to-blue-green wash across the belly and undertail. Small patches of yellow are typically present on the bend of the wing (shoulder) and sometimes on the crown.

• Flight feathers: Brownish-grey primaries and secondaries, sometimes edged with a hint of blue
• Tail feathers: Short, brown-grey above with darker tips
• Underparts: The turquoise belly patch is the most distinctive single mark, unlike the yellow-orange belly of the Senegal Parrot

The combination of an otherwise drab brown-grey body with a turquoise belly and yellow shoulder patch is diagnostic for this species among African Poicephalus parrots.

Sexes look broadly similar, with some individuals showing more extensive yellow on the crown, though this varies more by subspecies and individual than by sex. Juveniles are duller, with less blue on the belly and less yellow on the shoulder, both developing with maturity. Molt is gradual and continuous.

This species occupies savanna woodland, riverine forest, and adjacent scrubland across a broad swath of eastern and southern Africa. It is largely resident, with local movements tracking the fruiting and flowering of key food trees.

Meyer's Parrots are generally quieter and less conspicuous than many parrots, often seen singly, in pairs, or small groups foraging in tree canopies for seeds, fruit, nuts, and blossoms. They nest in tree cavities, with both parents involved in raising the brood. Calls are relatively soft, high-pitched whistles and chattering notes, typically given in flight or while perched.