African Greys are probably the smartest birds. They can learn upwards of 200 words and all kinds of tricks. They are known to be the best talkers and frequently imitate lots of other sounds including the doorbell, telephones, microwaves, beepers, dripping faucets, etc. Gandalf is a Timneh. When threatened or frightened they make a growling sound.
Many birds can spend most of their time on a play pen or parrot perch.
They eat a variety of sprouts, seeds, nuts, fruits, vegetables, commercial pellets, as well as the same nutritional foods humans eat. These birds are native to various parts of Africa including Kenya, Uganda, Liberia, and islands off the west coast of Africa. They birds tame very easily and are very sociable. Actually the price is coming down on these birds probably because there are so many being bred nowadays. See the main page for breeding techniques.