How can Congo African gray parrots be identified by their feathers and tail?

The Congo African gray parrot (Psittacus erithacus erithacus) can be identified by its distinct plumage and tail characteristics:

• Body Feathers: These birds are primarily silvery gray. The coloration is darker on the head and wings, lightening toward the belly. A key identifying feature is that the head and body feathers are edged in white, which creates a scaled appearance.1
• Tail Feathers: The tail feathers are bright red.1
• Additional Markings: While the tail is characteristically red, older birds may also exhibit random red feathers scattered among their gray body plumage.1

It is important to distinguish these features from the Timneh parrot (P. timneh), which is a smaller, darker steel-gray bird with a maroon-colored tail.1