How does a Timneh parrot’s appearance differ from a Congo African gray parrot’s appearance?

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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*).

The Timneh parrot (Psittacus timneh) differs from the Congo African gray parrot (Psittacus erithacus erithacus) in several key physical characteristics:

Coloration: The Timneh parrot is a darker steel gray, whereas the Congo African gray is silvery gray.
Tail: The Timneh has a darker, maroon-colored tail compared to the bright red tail of the Congo African gray.
Beak: The Congo African gray has a solid black beak. In contrast, the Timneh’s upper mandible darkens from shell-pink at the base to black at the tip.
Size: The Timneh is significantly smaller, measuring approximately 23–28 cm (9–11 inches) in length and weighing 250–375 grams (0.6–0.8 pounds), while the Congo African gray measures 30–40 cm (12–16 inches) and weighs 400–650 grams (0.8–1.4 pounds).1

Both birds are members of the African gray parrot group, though some authorities classify them as separate species.1