Abstract
Summary Parrots have long been appreciated as pets for their ability to mimic human speech, but do they understand what they say? Studies into the nature of their considerable intelligence and possible consciousness still have questions to answer. Although feral parrots invading cities may create the impression of resilience, many species are currently at risk of extinction. Michael Gross reports.
Highlights
Parrots have long been appreciated as pets for their ability to mimic human speech, but do they understand what they say? Studies into the nature of their considerable intelligence and possible consciousness still have questions to answer
After a lifetime of disappointing relationships with humans, Félicité settled for a parrot as a companion
She began to identify her parrot, Loulou, with the Holy Ghost, which has an impeccable logic, as both parrots and the Holy Ghost speak, while the dove typically used in Christian iconography doesn’t
Summary
Parrots have long been appreciated as pets for their ability to mimic human speech, but do they understand what they say? Studies into the nature of their considerable intelligence and possible consciousness still have questions to answer. Working with Alex at several institutes in the USA, including the University of Arizona and Brandeis University, Pepperberg demonstrated that parrots can learn to answer questions in a human-like way and acquire a substantial vocabulary.
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