Introduction
This site is dedicated to our baby Thor (the Thunderbird). There is very little information available about Cape Parrots. They are quite rare both in the wild and in captivity. We hope to gather as much information about Cape Parrots as possible, especially Capes in captivity. Very few were imported prior to the The Wild Bird Conservation Act (WBCA) of 1992 import ban. At last count (2000) there were 396 members of the nominate race left in the wild, and very few in captivity. The two subspecies are doing a little better mostly due to captive breeding programs; still, there are estimated to be only 50 breeding pairs in the United States. In the wild, all three members of the Cape family are in decline.
In captivity Cape Parrots are often referred to as the “Gentle Giants”, they are an extremely intelligent medium sized bird. At least as smart as African Greys, Cape Parrots can learn to talk quite well. They have large powerful beaks capable of cracking any nut but at the same time are rarely known to bite. Capes are very affectionate birds and can be very Cockatoo-like in their demands for attention. A large cage and lots of toys are required to keep these smart and active birds entertained. Expected life span is about 40 years.
The Cape family of parrots have recently undergone a taxonomic re-classification. This re-classification has caused quite a bit of confusion. I will attempt to explain it as briefly as possible.
Cape Parrots are all members of the African Poicephalus group of parrots. Until recently the Cape family consisted of three sub-species: the nominate robustus (P.r.r) from South Africa, the suahelicus (P.r.s) from central southern Africa and the fuscicollis (P.r.f) from south western Africa. Most of the Cape Parrots in the U.S. are from the suahelicus sub-species and some are fuscicollis. To my knowledge there are none of the nominate robustus Capes in the U.S.
Under the new re-classification the nominate robustus is now a separate species from the suahelicus and fuscicollis. The robustus (P.r.) is now the only true Cape parrot. The suahelicus and fuscicollis are now called the Grey-Headed Parrot (P.f.s.) and Brown-Necked Parrot (P.f.f.) respectively. The suahelicus and fuscicollis parrots are referred to as the Grey-Headed family of parrots so technically this site is now “Thor’s Grey-Headed Parrot Page”.
| OLD NAMES | NEW NAMES | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| CAPE PARROT FAMILY | CAPE PARROT FAMILY | GREY-HEADED PARROT FAMILY | |
| Cape Parrot (P.r.r) Poicephalus robustus robustus |
Cape Parrot (P.r.) Poicephalus robustus a.k.a. Brown-Headed Parrot* |
Grey-Headed Parrot (P.f.s.) Poicephalus fuscicollis suahelicus |
|
| Cape Parrot (P.r.s) Poicephalus robustus suahelicus |
Brown-Necked Parrot (P.f.f.) Poicephalus fuscicollis fuscicollis |
||
| Cape Parrot (P.r.f.) Poicephalus robustus fuscicollis |
*The Brown-Headed nomenclature is very confusing as there already is a Brown-Headed Parrot (Poicephalus cryptoxanthus) in the Poicephalus group. | ||
We are just started to get used to the new names ourselves so expect to see both the old and new names used for some time to come. We will continue to use the Cape Parrot name to refer to all three species as to do otherwise would be too confusing.
After some discussion with Cape breeders and owners here in the U.S. I have decided to adopt the following naming scheme:
-
P.r. South African Cape Parrot
P.f.s. Grey-headed Cape Parrot
P.f.f. Brown-necked Cape Parrot
This should allow us to move to the new names while minimizing confusion to those unaware of the change. The scientific names are official while the common names are not so I don’t believe my minor changes break any rules.
Cape Parrot Range Map
Please note that I am NOT a Cape Parrot expert. Many of the people visiting this site are much more knowledgeable of these birds than I. In building this site I am attempting to gather as much information as possible about these relatively unknown birds. In order to keep this site growing I need contributions from everyone who works with these birds.
New information and site changes will be posted in the Forum, please check it frequently. The Forum is also the place where you can contribute to this site instantly, please use it.
This site was first started in March 2000 while we were waiting for our baby Thor to be shipped from his breeder in Austin Texas. We hope you find it interesting and informative.
Comments
Comment from Craig (Thor’s Dad)
Time January 28, 2011 at 1:30 pm
Ifsha, I emailed you a sentence and photos. I’m not much of a writer and summing these wonderful creatures in one sentence is nearly impossible.
For those interested here is what I wrote:
Cape Parrots are an almost unknown species of parrot often called “Gentle Giants”, smart as an African Grey and cuddly as a Cockatoo.
And:
Cape Parrot actually refers to 3 species in two families; the South African Cape (Poicephalus robustus), the Grey-Headed Cape (Poicephalus fuscicollis suahelicus) and the Brown-Necked Cape (Poicephalus fuscicollis fuscicollis).
If anyone has anything better please let us know.
Comment from Ifsha Buttitta
Time January 28, 2011 at 2:32 pm
Thank you Craig. Actually, your quote about them being gentle giants is perfect.
Thanks for getting back to me so quickly, and for the photos. I will include your web page, along with your name, in the species profile.
Comment from Eric
Time February 11, 2011 at 4:43 am
Hello there,
I am a South African involved with the conservation of the Cape parrot (Poicephalus robustus). This parrot is currently facing extinction mainly due to a combination of the trade in wild-caught birds and habitat destruction. A further factor is the prevalence of Pstitticane Beak and Feather Disease amongst the wild population.
However, plans are afoot to reintroduce the parrot to the Knysna forests – the most extensive tract of Afromontane forest in Southern Africa. Knysna parrots occurred here about 125 to 150 years ago, but disappeared, primarily due to extensive disturbance of their habitat, especially massive exploitation of their main food source – the podocarpus yellow woods. However, the forests were closed in the 1930s, although the cutting of senescent trees is still allowed under permit. I would be interested to hear from owners of Cape parrots, especially the pure bred South African variety – Poicephalus robustus, who would like to support this project.
It is undoubted that a disease free population of free ranging wild parrots in the Knysna forests would be the best hopes for the Cape parrot’s survival into the future.
Comment from Bonnie Steinberg
Time March 9, 2011 at 5:27 pm
I have two Cape pairs and at this time and 3 1-year olds for sale. One of my hens is sitting eggs at this time but I do not know how many or if they are fertile. I’m always happy to talk to other Cape owners or people interested in learning more about them. I have other breeding pairs but the Capes are definitely my favorite and, in my opinion, the best pets.
Comment from Lynne Singerman
Time March 27, 2011 at 9:37 pm
Bonnie Steinberg- where are you located? I am interested in possibly getting a Cape. Lynne
Comment from Jennifer Hicks
Time April 25, 2011 at 6:52 pm
This is for Bonnie Steinberg. I am also interested in possibly getting a Cape. I am in contact with one bird breeder here in Indiana for a Brown necked cape. I am on a waiting list and could be another year before I get mine.
Please feel free to contact me at jennh44@comcast.net
Thank you!
Comment from T. Klopper
Time June 24, 2011 at 4:04 am
A flock of 30 plus Cape parrots has been spotted in Adelaide on 22/23 of June in Adelaide. Hope this is an indication that numbers are on the increase. Haven’t seen them in this area for at least the last 40 years
Comment from Tracy Starr
Time July 10, 2011 at 2:52 pm
I recently adopted a Grey Headed Parrot from our local Humane Society. His band indicates he was bred in Texas. I did not know what a find he was. He is very healthy and mimics everything. I have only had him for less than a week. I can send a picture if you like.
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Comment from Ifsha Buttitta
Time January 27, 2011 at 10:29 pm
Hello:
Can you please provide a quote about the cape parrot, which will appear on the species profiles page of birdchannel.com?
I am a freelance writer currently working on several bird species profiles for Bird Talk magazine’s website (birdchannel.com) and am looking for avian experts who would like to get their name on the website as well as images of particular bird species.
If you have a photo of this species you’d like to share as well, that would be great.
The quote would be one sentence – a quick description of the bird’s personality traits or what makes this species unique. You get direct attribution for any quotes.
Thank you so much and I look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Ifsha Buttitta
661.288.1425