The senegal is the most commonly kept of the Poicephalus parrot family, and the three sub species occupy several countries in western Africa.

The senegal has a green body with a grey head. The different sub species have different coloured breasts (or vests, since the green comes down in the middle making it look like they have on a vest).

The most common senegal is the Poicephalus senegalus senegalus. This bird has the familiar yellow breast.

The other sub species are Pocephalus senegalus versteri which has a red breast and the Poicephalus senegalus mesotypus which has an orange breast.


This is Cheesepuff, the senegal. He is enjoying a carrot while at a display attended by the Parrot Club of Manitoba.

Most senegals you will find have been handfed and make wonderful pets. They are one of the smaller parrots at approximately 9 inches long and are not normally very noisy, although their calls can be somewhat high pitched.

Senegals can talk, as well as make some familiar sound effects. Because they are not a large bird, they do not need an extra large cage. They do need plenty of room to move around and play, but as long as they are out of the cage for some periods during the day, they can be kept in a cockatiel cage that is at least 24 inches square.

The diet for a senegal would consist of a mix of pellets, seeds, fruits, and vegetables. They can also have a sampling of healthy meals that you prepare for yourself. Foods to avoid with any pet bird would be chocolate, avocados, coffee, alcohol, or foods that have been salted or sweetened like chips or candies.



Do you have a senegal? Why not drop by the forum where we can talk about your bird?