The African Grey is one of the most intelligent parrots on the planet, with an astounding ability to learn and imitate speech that has earned them the nickname, “The Einsteins of the Bird World.” There are two distinct subspecies of African Greys: the Congo, with a larger body and black beak, and the Timneh, with a smaller body, darker grey feathers, and maroon tail feathers. While these birds are a fairly high-maintenance species and can live for over 50 years, they bond strongly with their owners and are affectionate companions, making them one of the best types of pet birds you can get.