 There are conflicting classifications of this population due to the existence of three geographically separated but closely related forms that differ in habitat, size and plumage.The dominant view of the ornithological community, especially in Africa, considers these as two species, with the temperate, montane forest dwelling Cape parrot, "P. robustus" distinct from the savanna species, "P. fuscicollis", including the brown-necked parrot, "P. f. fuscicollis" of West Africa and the grey-headed parrot, "P. f. suahelicus" of eastern and southern Africa.This view is reflected in the 2011 IOC World List (adopted by many, including Wikispecies, as the global standard) along with recent reviews and field guides from Southern Africa.