OMG the human parrot!

**Augix** · 10-14-2005, 08:53 AM

this bird is simply incredible!

http://tinyurl.com/52ydx

**nickel** · 10-14-2005, 09:05 AM

einstein rules!

i actually saw that episode

**esme** · 10-14-2005, 09:15 AM

that is so cute!!! i've never seen that one before

**tupacboy** · 10-14-2005, 10:21 AM

wow that's awesome... parrots are awesome... takes total dedication.. and plus they live almost as long as we do!

**Grimm** · 10-14-2005, 10:49 AM

Originally Posted by tupacboy

wow that's awesome... parrots are awesome... takes total dedication.. and plus they live almost as long as we do!

Some species actualy live longer than we do.

**avlena** · 10-14-2005, 10:49 AM

that's awesome! I keep hoping that my bird wil talk some day (it's a cockatiel), but so far no luck.

**Grimm** · 10-14-2005, 10:57 AM

Originally Posted by avlena

that's awesome! I keep hoping that my bird wil talk some day (it's a cockatiel), but so far no luck.

While a cockatiel can sometimes mimic, a parrot actualy understands.
African Greys are the smartest. They are about as smart as a 5 year old. They are affectionate and can actualy communicate basic concepts. They will tell you which toy they want and which treat they would prefer.

**Augix** · 10-14-2005, 01:55 PM

Greys (the English spelling is usually used - not Gray) are not limited to imitating speech. Phones, microwaves ovens, answering machines, other birds and chain saws (in the African jungle) have all been documented as part of the Grey's repertoire. Many owners and some studies suggest that Greys (and other parrots) don't just mimic but can use words learned in new combinations to convey new wants, needs and desires. Alex, a famous Grey that has been studied for years by Dr. Irene Pepperberg, invented the term "long yellow" to express his desire for more corn on the cob. A European study found Greys to have the intellectual capacity of a 5-year-old human child with the emotional development of a human 2 year old (read as terrible two year old).

**avlena** · 10-14-2005, 02:35 PM

Originally Posted by Grimm

While a cockatiel can sometimes mimic, a parrot actualy understands.
African Greys are the smartest. They are about as smart as a 5 year old. They are affectionate and can actualy communicate basic concepts. They will tell you which toy they want and which treat they would prefer.

I didn't know they were that smart! I'd love to have a parrot, but the price tag is a bit hard to swallow right now.