How did trade between Portugal and western Africa increase the number of African gray parrots kept in Europe?

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Close-up of an African grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus) showing its curved black beak, pale eye, and detailed grey feathers. — African gray parrot African gray parrot (*Psittacus erithacus*).

As Portugal’s trade relationship with western Africa developed, the increased contact facilitated the capture and transport of more African gray parrots to Europe, where they were kept as pets. This expansion of trade networks allowed for a greater number of these birds to be brought into the European market, eventually leading to their appearance in various European paintings during the 17th century.1