Abstract
The genus Poicephalus consists of
nine species, of which only the Senegal
parrot (P senega/us) is kept in captivity
in any sizeable numbers. Most of the
other species have only been available
to aviculturists in small numbers over
the years, or are very recent arrivals to
aviculture. The Cape parrot can be
counted among the former.
Twelve inches in length, the Cape
parrot is only slightly smaller than an
African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus)
and, despite a well proportioned
body, appears top heavy due to its huge
beak. The head is a silvery-grey, and
the body is predominately green. In
the subspecies suahelicus, the female
has the forehead and part of the crown
orange. The male lacks this color.