Meyer’s Parrot
General Description
| Common Name | Meyer’s Parrot (Brown Parrot) |
| Latin Name | Poicephalus meyeri |
| Family | Psittacidae • African Parrots |
| Adult Size | 21–23 cm (8–9 in) |
| Weight | 100–135 g |
| Life Span | 20–30+ years in captivity |
| Sexual Maturity | 3–4 years |
| Clutch Size | 2–5 eggs |
| Gender Difference | No reliable visual sexual dimorphism. DNA testing required for accurate sexing. |
| Natural Habitat | Miombo, savanna woodlands, riparian forests, wooded grasslands, and areas near watercourses. |
| Origin / Range | Broad distribution across central and southern sub-Saharan Africa. |
| Care Level | Beginner to Intermediate • Calm, quiet, and affectionate |
SMALL AFRICAN POICEPHALUS • CALM & QUIET
Subspecies & Plumage
Six subspecies are currently recognised. They differ primarily in the extent of yellow markings on the head and wings, the intensity of turquoise-blue on the underparts and rump, overall darkness, and body size. All share the characteristic brownish-grey head/neck, green body, yellow thigh/wing patches, and orange-red eyes.
• P. m. meyeri (Nominate)
Widely distributed from NE Cameroon through Chad to Ethiopia. Features a yellow stripe across the crown, turquoise to blue-green underparts and rump, and prominent yellow on thighs, bend of wing, and underwing coverts.
• P. m. saturatus
Found from Uganda and W Kenya south to NW Tanzania. Generally darker overall with more saturated colours.
• P. m. matschiei
Occurs in central Tanzania, SE Congo, Zambia, and N Malawi. Shows increased blue tinge to the green plumage.
• P. m. transvaalensis
Southern populations (northern South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana). Paler head and upperparts; reduced or absent yellow on crown; more intense bright blue rump and underparts. Often smaller in size.
• P. m. damarensis
Namibia and surrounding arid areas. Generally paler than other forms; yellow band across the crown is absent or very reduced.
• P. m. reichenowi
Darker brown head and upperparts; no yellow stripe on the crown. Undersides of flight feathers are darker grey.
Note for aviculturists: The amount of yellow on the head and the vibrancy of the turquoise belly/rump are the most noticeable variations. Birds with extensive yellow markings (especially on the crown) are particularly sought after. Subspecies are often kept separate in serious breeding programs in Europe to maintain purity.