The parrots and other birds stand out for their ability to reproduce human sounds precisely. This behavior does not imply language understanding, but an imitation ability developed through unique anatomical and neurological adaptations. Science explains how and why these birds manage to replicate words and sounds with such fidelity.
The group of birds commonly known as “parrots” includes three superfamilies: Psittacoid (typical parrots, parrots and parakeets), cacatuoid (cacatúas) and strigopoid (New Zealand parrots). Among them, some species such as the African gray parrot, the eclecto parrot and macaws stand out for their imitation capacity, although with different levels of clarity.
How parrots mimic sounds
Birds They lack vocal strings, but they have an organ called Siringelocated in the trachea. This organ is made up of membranes and rings that vibrate to the passage of air, allowing to emit a wide variety of sounds. In the case of parrots, A rounded and mobile language complements this systemfacilitating the reproduction of complex sounds.
Sexual dimorphism influences this capacity: males usually have a greater ability to imitate soundssince its main function is related to mating exhibitions. Other birds such as Cuervos and Uracas also show a tendency to reproduce sounds of their surroundings, although with less precision than parrots.
What does the big imitators do
A 2015 study revealed that The parrots have an additional brain region that is not found in other birds. While all animals with vocal imitation capacity have brain centers that control sound learning, parrots have exterior rings called “shells” around these nuclei. These additional structures allow them to reproduce more accuracy sounds.
This neurological adaptation explains why species such as the African gray parrot, Eclecto parrot and macaws stand out as the best imitators. However, this ability also exposes them to risks: Spix’s macaw, famous for Rio Movies, was released in 2019 Due to poaching for pet trade.
How words and sounds reproduce the parrots
Most studies indicate that parrots do not understand the meaning of the words that mimic. Their behavior responds to a stimulus-recompressive mechanism: they learn that When reproducing certain sounds they receive attention or awards. However, there are exceptional cases that suggest some cognitive understanding.
Alex’s gray parrot, studied by psychologist Irene Pepperberg for 30 years, demonstrated Ability to associate words with objects, actions and emotions. Alex could identify colors, shapes and materials, and expressed specific desires. His rational intelligence It was equivalent to that of a five -year -old boywhile his emotional intelligence was compared to that of a two -year -old boy.
Other examples show the least friendly side of this ability. In 2020, five gray parrots in a Lincolnshire reserve (England) began to insult visitors and among themselves, despite coming from different owners who did not know each other. The caregivers had to withdraw them from the public area because they considered their behavior gave bad example, especially children.
Source: Ambito
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
