Psittacini

Lore & Background

Psittacini parrots are divided into two genera: Poicephalus, which are usually green birds with differently colored heads, and Psittacus, which are light grey with red tails. The grey parrot, a member of Psittacus, has been documented in Europe since Roman times, indicating early human awareness and trade.

Reader's Guide

The tribe Psittacini is significant as part of the subfamily Psittacinae, which together with the Neotropical Arinae forms the family Psittacidae. Molecular studies have shown that African parrots are polyphyletic: Poicephalus and Psittacus from mainland Africa are the sister group to the Neotropical Arinae, while other African and Malagasy parrots (such as Agapornis and Coracopsis) cluster with Australasian groups. This challenges traditional classifications and highlights the complex evolutionary history of parrots. The inclusion of the extinct prehistoric genus Bavaripsitta further underscores the group's deep temporal roots. Understanding Psittacini helps clarify parrot biogeography and the relationships among Old World and New World lineages.

Did You Know?

• Psittacini includes twelve species and two extant genera: Poicephalus and Psittacus.
• The grey parrot, a member of Psittacini, has been known in Europe since Roman times.
• Poicephalus are usually green birds with different colored heads; Psittacus are light grey with red tails.
• An extinct prehistoric monotypic genus Bavaripsitta has been described within this group.