Psittacus erithacus timneh · CITES Appendix II Captive-Bred
The calmer, family-friendly African Grey. Smaller frame (275–375g), distinctive maroon tail, and an early talker. Hand-raised in our USDA AWA licensed Midland, TX home aviary — priced from $1,500 to $1,600.
The Timneh African Grey is often the smarter first choice for buyers who want all the intelligence and companionship of an African Grey in a calmer, more easygoing package. While the Congo gets most of the spotlight, breeders and avian behaviorists consistently describe the Timneh as the gentler of the two subspecies.
Physically, the Timneh is the compact African Grey. At 275–375 grams, it carries a darker, charcoal-grey coat and a deep maroon tail — not the vivid red of the Congo. Look closely at the beak and you'll see the Timneh's signature pinkish upper mandible, the single easiest way to tell the two subspecies apart in person.
Temperament is where the Timneh truly wins families over. Timnehs tend to be less prone to becoming a strict one-person bird, bonding instead with an entire household. They handle schedule changes, visitors, and the everyday noise of family life with noticeably more composure than the assertive Congo. That adaptability — paired with a smaller, quieter presence — makes the Timneh an excellent fit for apartment living and for first-time African Grey owners.
Talking ability is another quiet advantage. Timneh African Greys frequently begin talking earlier than Congos, often before their first birthday. They are no less intelligent than the Congo — they simply tend to find their voice sooner, rewarding new owners with that magical first word a little ahead of schedule.
Every Timneh we offer is hand-raised and fully weaned in our family aviary, socialized daily with people of all ages, and ready to step into your home as a confident, well-adjusted companion for the next 40 to 50 years.
Neither subspecies is "better" — they simply suit different households. Use this comparison to find your match.
| Trait | Timneh African Grey | Congo African Grey |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Psittacus erithacus timneh | Psittacus erithacus erithacus |
| Weight | 275–375g | 400–600g |
| Tail color | Maroon / dark red | Bright red |
| Beak | Pinkish upper mandible | All black |
| Temperament | Calmer, family-oriented | Confident, can be one-person |
| Best for | Families, first-time owners, apartments | Experienced owners, single-person homes |
| Price | $1,500–$1,600 | $1,500–$3,000 |
African Greys are protected under CITES Appendix II. Every Timneh African Grey we sell is captive-bred in our USDA AWA licensed family aviary — never wild-caught — and ships with complete, verifiable paperwork:
You are welcome to verify our CITES permit number before placing any deposit. Documentation transparency is the foundation of every sale we make.
Our hand-raised Timneh African Greys are priced from $1,500 to $1,600. A $200 deposit reserves your bird, and IATA-compliant shipping nationwide is a $185 flat rate.
The Timneh (Psittacus erithacus timneh) is smaller at 275–375g with a maroon tail and a pinkish upper mandible. The Congo (Psittacus erithacus erithacus) is larger at 400–600g with a bright red tail and an all-black beak. Timnehs are typically calmer, adapt better to families and apartments, and often start talking earlier.
Yes. Timnehs are widely considered the more forgiving African Grey. They tend to be calmer, handle schedule changes and busy households better, and bond well with an entire family rather than a single person — all qualities that suit first-time parrot owners.
Timneh African Greys often begin talking earlier than Congos, frequently before 12 months of age. They are every bit as intelligent as the Congo — they simply tend to find their voice sooner.
Every Timneh is captive-bred in our USDA AWA licensed family aviary and ships with full documentation: a CITES Appendix II captive-bred permit, DNA sexing certificate, avian veterinarian health certificate, and a hatch certificate with band number. We never sell wild-caught birds.
Timnehs are a strong choice for apartment living. Their smaller frame and calmer, quieter temperament make them more adaptable to compact spaces and shared walls than the larger, more assertive Congo.
Explore more: African Grey parrots for sale · Congo African Grey for sale · CITES documentation
Our Timnehs are hand-raised, CITES-documented, and DNA sexed. Reach out to reserve yours — we reply within 24 hours.
$200 deposit reserves your bird · 3-day health guarantee · IATA-compliant shipping nationwide
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