Although they don't actually speak to us in our language, these birds can learn our vocalizations and repeat the noises and sounds they hear us make.
The brain of parrots is not associated with a particular type of vocalization like passerines (for example, blackbirds can be recognized by their characteristic song);
they have the ability to produce new sounds.
Scientists do not know exactly what this ability is due to, but in nature it is thought that this ability could have something to do with reproduction and communication with partners and that it would be a way of distinguishing where individuals come from.
In addition to this vocal learning, parrots can emit a wide range of sounds thanks to their very flexible tongue.
It allows them to modulate the sounds produced by their vocal cords to mimic our pronunciation of vowels.
Access to this content has been blocked to respect your choice of consent
By clicking on "
I ACCEPT
", you accept the deposit of cookies by external services and will thus have access to the content of our partners
I ACCEPT
And to better remunerate 20 Minutes, do not hesitate to accept all cookies, even for one day only, via our "I accept for today" button in the banner below.
More information on the Cookie Management Policy page.
How to talk to birds?
Birds communicate with sounds and with their body language.
They are very expressive creatures, and so they are very good at making themselves understood when they want to let us know how they feel.
By observing and learning to recognize a few key attitudes, you can better understand the different moods of a parrot!
Raising one's feathers can be a way to release tension or get rid of particles after cleansing;
however, if you notice that the bird's feathers are more puffy than usual, it may be a sign of illness.
Domestic birds often try to get their owner's attention when they want something by doing a sort of skipping dance;
this is normal behavior, but if it happens too often it could mean the bird is stressed or bored.
Parrots show their aggressiveness by spreading their feathers and folding their legs;
they may even emit a hissing sound.
Better leave if you see this!
Fear can also be expressed in this way.
The parrot shows its excitement by squealing and shaking its wings, sometimes with dilated pupils;
birds can get very excited when they see new toys, foods they like, or when they want to mate.
Find the magazine "Le Monde des Animaux" on newsstands and on monmag.fr (paper and digital versions, and subscriptions).
The World of Animals & Nature
is a magazine dedicated to wild fauna and flora from around the world.
Through captivating stories and sublime photographs, the magazine offers a real visual safari in the heart of nature.
Hobbies
Three exotic birds to observe in your gardens
Hobbies
Three species of birds threatened with extinction in France
Minute Animals
Animals
Bird
Parrot
Communication
Hobbies