I just got news on a parrot-nerd listserve that Alex, the famous African Grey parrot, was found dead yesterday morning of as-yet unknown causes.
Alex Foundation site
That was a darned smart parrot. Hope he’s perched on a big bowl of corn-nuts. Give your own parrots scritchies this morning.
I remember reading about him in Margaret Atwood’s novel “Oryx and Crake.” I only knew him through that book, but he seemed like an endearing character. He’ll be missed.
Maybe they’ll get John Cleese to eulogize him.
He’s just pining for the fjords.
That is so bizarre to me, because my African Grey parrot died recently for no apparent reason, as well. (I posted a thread about it, so sorry if some of you have heard this story before). It is startling to say the least when you get up and your pet is dead. I feel really bad for Dr. Pepperberg, and for the person who found him if it wasn’t her. 
A parrot bit me on the finger last night when I was drunk. Every time a parrot bites someone another parrot somewhere in the world dies. This time twas Alex.
My parrot bit me today when I had to reach in his cage to retrieve his dish. He’s totally psycho. If your story is correct then I think my parrot has been responsible for the deaths of many of his brethren.
The death of Alex saddens me. We can only hope the important research into these wonderful guests in our lives continues.
Aw man, just learned about his death today. Perhaps someday he’ll be thought of as a pioneer in interspecies communication.
Gonna go home and dote on my parrots tonight.
Sailboat
31 years old? Parrots can live that long? Or is that normal for them?
60 and beyond is the lifespan of African Greys in captivity, according to Wikipedia. Here’s another citation that says 50-60 years.
Sailboat
Darn-a smart little birdy.
How sad! I’ve adored him for so long, and I loved to share stories about him to others who don’t realize how smart birds are. Aww…
Forgive the late post. I wandered over to the Wiki article on Alex. It included this antidote:
When Dr Pepperberg left Alex with a vet for treatment, Alex vocalized the words ‘Come here. I love you. I’m sorry. I want to go back.’"
Now I am in tears and Onan is on my chest comforting me. I need to adjust my meds.
I thought I would share this, maybe it will cheer you up a little, Paul…I heard a cute story about Alex the other day. A journalist once was doing a story about him, and so was sitting in on one of his sessions. Dr. Pepperberg explained that Alex would often stop giving the right answers towards the end of a session when he got bored or tired. Soon after that, she held up 5 keys and asked Alex how many keys there were. He gave an obvious wrong answer, like “blue.” She tried again, and another wrong answer. She said “one more try, Alex, and then you get a time out.” Another wrong answer. So she got up and left. Alex looked at the journalist and said “five.”
Dang bird had a sense of humor.
Thank you. I am a softie for birdies.
I know you are. 
I never was before, but having had this experience of living with an African Grey, I totally understand it now.