• Question: Why do parrots learn to talk?

    Asked by danielburton to Laurel on 20 Jun 2010 in Categories: .
    • Photo: Laurel Fogarty

      Laurel Fogarty answered on 20 Jun 2010:

      Parrots learn to talk because they have evolved the ability to mimic sounds they hear. This is useful for them to learn how to communicate with the other birds in their flock. Of course when they are young and surrounded by humans they still try to do this- so they end up talking!

      I have sent this link in response to another question, but in case you missed it have a look at this guy. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R6KvPN_Wt8I

      He is an African Grey parrot called Alex. He learned over 100 words and could answer simple questions his human owner asked him. Amazing!

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