Discover surprising and fun facts about parrots and parakeets, delve into the fascinating world of these clever birds…
Research in several species of parrots, including African Greys and some Amazons, shows that parents give their young a specific 'contact sound' or call – a kind of 'name whistle'.
Each bird develops a unique call, often based on the sound the parents assign to their young.
In the wild, parrots use these 'call names' to recognize and call to each other in dense vegetation or large groups.
This behavior is remarkable because it resembles the human concept of naming, although it's done through sound patterns instead of words. It also demonstrates the high intelligence and social complexity of parrots!
Some parrots have a good sense of humor and can learn to make jokes. For example, they might make unexpected sounds or use a word in a humorous context to provoke a reaction.
Alex, an African Grey Parrot, was a famous parrot known for his astonishing ability to name objects, recognize colors, and even understand numbers. He was considered one of the smartest parrots in the world.
SEE HERE how parrot Alex recognizes colors and shapes!
Parrots have excellent memories. They can remember for a long time where food is hidden, where objects are located, and even how to perform certain tasks.
Parrots have what's known as "lateral vision," meaning their eyes are located on the sides of their heads. This gives them a wide field of vision and allows them to see potential threats from different angles.
Parrot eyes are also very advanced. They have excellent visual acuity and can see color. This allows them to observe their surroundings well and find food.
Parrots' eyes are a vital part of their survival mechanism. They help them spot predators, find food, and observe their surroundings.
› Parrots can imitate not only words and phrases, but also sounds such as the ringing of a telephone, a doorbell, or even the sound of a kettle whistling!
› A famous parrot named Einstein has over 200 sounds and words in her vocabulary, including imitations of celebrities such as Matthew McConaughey and Darth Vader!
SEE HERE Einstein in action!
Parrots can develop a strong bond with their owners, and some can even react jealously when they see someone else paying attention. They love to be the center of attention!
There are known cases of parrots relearning lost words and phrases after moving to a new environment or new owner. They have an amazing ability to adapt and learn new things.
Parrots recognize themselves in a mirror—just like humans, elephants, and dolphins. They can even check their feathers and preen themselves visually.
They form close friendships – if two parrots get along well, they often remain loyal for life. This also applies to their bond with their human.
Parrots can have a dialect – in the wild, a group of parrots develops its own accent. Captive birds sometimes imitate their caregiver's accent.
› They actually dance to rhythm – some species, such as the Snowball cockatoo, can actually move to the beat — a rarity in the animal kingdom.
› They have strong taste preferences – some parrots will spit out vegetables they don't like, or sort nuts in order of favorite.
› Parrots use tools – in the wild, birds have been observed using sticks to access food or for scratching.
› They have a preference for musical styles – parrots prefer to listen to classical, reggae or even rock — but this varies from bird to bird!
Mimicking their voice = showing love – when a parrot mimics you, it's a sign of trust. It wants to belong to you.
A family noticed their baby laughing louder and louder in the playpen. When they checked, it turned out their parrot had learned all the baby's sounds—and they were having entire "conversations" full of coos, blubbers, and cries. The parents were sitting there laughing so hard.
Do you have a fun parrot fact?
Do you know a funny, surprising, or cute fact about parrots? Share it with us, and you might see it appear on this page soon! 🦜
