The original wild-caughts were, however, an entirely different bird than those seen on the market today. Those first imports were frequently skittish, panicky, and sullen in personality, with a bite that had to be experienced to be believed! The offspring of these original "incorrigibles", seem to posses an entirely different nature: They, in sharp contrast, are extremely playful, dangling by one leg and chattering gleefully for hours at a time. They love to be handled, especially to be petted like Cockatoos, and love to be the center of attention without being demanding. They also tend to be much gentler and sweeter in temperament than their wild forebears.

   Of all of the parrots I have personally owned (and believe me ,there have been many, running the whole gamut from Macaws and Cockatoos through Amazons and conures down to little Finches and Budgies), a hand-fed male Senegal with the ridiculous name of "Huggy" (I didn't name him) has proven to be my very favorite pet bird ever. The Senegal's charming personality cleverness, clear speech, and "big bird" type of behavior in a smaller, quieter, easy to care for package won me over completely!

   The entire Poicephalus family tend to be quiet birds. Nonetheless, Senegals also tend to make good talkers. ( They will never match the incredible speaking ability of the African Greys and some types of Amazons, but what they learn to say they will say well.) Their speech is enunciated clearly, and if taught properly, with understanding. (In other words they can learn to "speak some English, rather than just "parrot" it.)