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!