African Grey talking age — when did yours start?

My African Grey Congo, Einstein, is 14 months old. He mimics sounds (microwave, my laugh) but hasn't said a clear word yet. Online says anywhere from 12–18 months is normal. When did your AG start talking? Getting a bit anxious!

Relax! My AG didn't say his first clear word until 16 months. Then seemingly overnight he had a 200-word vocabulary. They absorb everything silently, then suddenly download it all.

14 months is completely within normal. Some wait until 2 years. Einstein mimicking sounds is a great sign though — he's clearly paying attention. Keep talking to him in context: name your actions as you do them.

Fourteen months and already mimicking contextual sounds — Einstein sounds right on track! African Greys famously take their time but then explode with vocabulary. The mimicking of environmental sounds (microwave, your laugh) is actually a really positive indicator.

A few things that tend to unlock speech: repetition in context ('Hello Einstein' every time you enter the room), emotional excitement (greys respond to enthusiasm), and one-on-one focused conversation time. Avoid having the TV on constantly — background noise can actually slow contextual speech development.

I'd give him until 18 months before even mildly worrying. You're clearly doing things right!

Great question! My African Grey started talking at about 16 months.

Is this a new behavior or has it always been like this? Context might help figure it out.

Your bird is in good hands. The fact that you're researching this shows how much you care.

Lol my green cheek conure does the exact same thing. I've just accepted that the bird runs the house now. I'm just the food delivery service.

Okay but counterpoint — what about birds that are the complete opposite? My Eclectus breaks every rule lol.