Fauna
Bird

Meyer's Parrot

Poicephalus meyeri

Also known as Brown Parrot, Meyer's Brown Parrot

Meyer's parrots travel in pairs or small family groups across sub-Saharan African savannas, quietly searching tree canopies for seeds, pods, and native fruits. Breeding pairs select natural tree hollows or abandoned woodpecker nests, returning to the same roosts year after year. Subdued vocalizations and cryptic brownish body feathers make them easy to overlook despite their vibrant yellow shoulder patches.

Sub-SaharanCavity NesterSeed Eater
Meyer's Parrot reference1 / 7
(c) Poicephalus_meyeri_-Zimbabwe_-two-8.jpg, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preySeeds, Tree Pods, Native Fruits
Predators
  • Raptors
  • Snakes
  • Genets
ThreatsLocal habitat destruction, trapping for the pet trade
HabitatsSavanna woodlands, riverine forests, bushveld
Life span20–30 years
Classification
  1. OrderPsittaciformes
  2. FamilyPsittacidae
  3. GenusPoicephalus
  4. SpeciesPoicephalus meyeri
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Presents a bite risk if handled; observe wild birds from a respectful distance.
Responsible observation
  • Locating Canopy Foragers: Scan the branches of fig and acacia trees where pairs often feed early in the morning.
  • Recognizing Flight Patterns: Watch for fast, direct flight with rapid wingbeats low over open savanna landscapes.
  • Maintaining Distance: Use binoculars or a telephoto lens to avoid startling pairs resting near nesting cavities.
Related species
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