The genus Poicephalus comprises nine species of parrots native to various regions of Africa.  This group of parrots is made up of little clowns, including the Meyer's, Senegal, Brown-headed, Cape, Jardine's and Red-bellies. Other less common members include Ruppell's parrot, Yellow-fronted parrot and the Niam-Niam parrot.

They are stocky birds with short broad tails and relatively large heads and beaks for their size (Poicephalus, from the Greek, literally means made of head).  They feed primarily on seeds, fruits, nuts, and leafy matter.