The Meyer’s parrot offers many of the same good pet qualities as the cockatiel. The smallest member of the Poicephalus family of African parrots, which also includes the Senegal and the Jardine's parrot, the Meyer's wears conservative grayish-brown feathers on its back, head and upper breast. A light blue or green lower belly and yellow spots on the wings and crown give it a more colorful front. The six subspecies of Meyer's vary only slightly in size and coloring. 

Country of origin: Burundi, Chad, Cameroon, Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda,Zambia. Size: Small but plump, 8-9 inches long and about 120 grams (a little over four ounces). 

Personality: Playful, acrobatic, generally even-keeled and easy to tame. Quiet voice. A good bird for children or apartment dwellers. 

Talking ability: Poor to moderate. 

Average lifespan: 25-30 years.