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What do African gray parrot tail feathers symbolize in Yoruba culture?

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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*).

In Yoruba culture, the bright red tail feathers of the African gray parrot hold significant symbolic meaning. They are viewed as representations of both menstrual blood and the vibrant red oil of the oil palm, a primary food source for the species.1

Beyond their symbolic color, these feathers and the image of the parrot are utilized in the creation of masks worn during the Gelede social and religious festival. Additionally, due to the birds' highly vocal nature, they are characterized in Yoruba folklore as sentinels and spies.1