Why can parrots talk? - Grace Smith-Vidaurre and Tim Wright

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  • čas přidán 22. 06. 2022
  • Explore the specialized anatomy that allows parrots to talk, scream, curse, and recite facts like humans.
    --
    Whether they’re belting Beyoncé, head-banging to classic rock, or rattling off curse words at zoo-goers, parrots are constantly astounding us. They are among the only animals that produce human speech, and some parrots do it almost uncannily well. How is this possible? Grace Smith-Vidaurre and Tim Wright dig into the anatomy that allows parrots to talk, scream, curse, and recite facts.
    Lesson by Grace Smith-Vidaurre and Tim Wright, directed by Anton Bogaty.
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Komentáře • 1K

  • @thesexybatman263
    @thesexybatman263 Před rokem +6236

    Imagine being the first human to ever hear a parrot imitate human speech. I wonder why they don't feature more prominently (or at all) on myths and legends with such an outstanding ability.

    • @gusc6785
      @gusc6785 Před rokem +38

      Lol

    • @gusc6785
      @gusc6785 Před rokem +161

      Great thought

    • @SToXC_.
      @SToXC_. Před rokem +21

      true

    • @nunyabiznes33
      @nunyabiznes33 Před rokem +388

      I don't know what culture it came from but there's a story about the mimicking. Apparently the first parrot used to speak normally like a human and it was not a big deal. It kept fouling the plan of some burglar coz of its honesty and one day the man took revenge and tossed it in a jar with water and shook it.
      The whole process was traumatizing and it didn't have the right words to say what happened (it came out as "there was a storm and I got wet" or something) and it got accused of lying.
      Another animal advised it to just mock people. It wouldn't get into trouble and it'll still look pretty smart.

    • @Fummy007
      @Fummy007 Před rokem +82

      Because they only existed in South America and Africa?

  • @luuchoo93
    @luuchoo93 Před rokem +3148

    My grandma’s parrot would bark at the dog when he was bored, he would laugh when the whole family was laughing, and he would scream “telephone” when it started ringing. Really intelligent birds

    • @difficult1003
      @difficult1003 Před rokem +27

      Why did you use "would" in that context? Could you explain to me?

    • @dN3Sh
      @dN3Sh Před rokem +143

      @@difficult1003 it's grammar

    • @VomicaEmanio
      @VomicaEmanio Před rokem +179

      @@difficult1003 Using the word "would" in this context normally indicates that it is a past event, which when speaking about the actions of a living being usually indicates that they are no longer alive. Thus, I would guess that he used _would_ to indicate that the parrot is no longer alive.

    • @difficult1003
      @difficult1003 Před rokem +16

      @@VomicaEmanio can we here change _would_ to _could_ without any misunderstanding?

    • @Katie-B
      @Katie-B Před rokem +145

      @@difficult1003 saying “would” means that the parrot did in fact do the mimicking. Saying “could” means that the parrot didn’t necessarily mimick but could if it wanted to. If that makes sense? “Would” basically tells the reader that the parrot actually used to do it

  • @lancerguy3667
    @lancerguy3667 Před rokem +1677

    Parrots also suffer because people tend to take them as pets without realizing what they signed up for. They require a lot of time and attention because they're such social animals, and they are INCREDIBLY loud, a point that can't be overstated enough when talking to prospective parrot parents. When parrots are feeling neglected, poorly socialized, or understimulated, they develop psychological issues and start acting out, both self-destructively (plucking their own feathers) and by biting/screeching at those around them. As a result, a lot of people who get a parrot decide it's not worth the trouble and try to get rid of it. My local breeder won't sell a bird to anyone until they've sat through a course on how to properly care for one.

    • @apara2005
      @apara2005 Před rokem +142

      Also, I don't think people fully grasp how long their lifespan is and the responsibility of having to take of something that lives that long. If they think having a dog is too much, then a parrot is probably NOT a good idea.

    • @AlondraHernandez-gj7ww
      @AlondraHernandez-gj7ww Před rokem +9

      Thank you for the insight!

    • @singularityraptor4022
      @singularityraptor4022 Před rokem +61

      Bless your local breeder.

    • @waternosuka
      @waternosuka Před rokem +72

      or maybe, just maybe, an animal that has WINGS isn’t meant to be kept in a CAGE as a pet just for human entertainment..

    • @l.n.3372
      @l.n.3372 Před rokem +31

      @@waternosuka
      Most bird owners allow their birds to fly all over the house. Maybe learn before you comment about this.

  • @l.n.3372
    @l.n.3372 Před rokem +2482

    I once saw a video of a parrot imitating a cell phone ringtone. It was so accurate that I was astonished. It also shows the intelligence of the bird, too. As the owner said in the video, the bird imitated the cell phone because it knew that its owner wouldn't leave the house if he heard his cell phone ringing. The parrot wanted his owner to stay at home with him!

    • @johnacetable7201
      @johnacetable7201 Před rokem +30

      Because he was either hungry or scared.

    • @btmartacold1981
      @btmartacold1981 Před rokem +17

      I saw that vidéo, it was a cockatiel, excellent imitator..

    • @martinsimeonov1563
      @martinsimeonov1563 Před rokem +24

      Lyrebird man.... that thing can imitate either your voice... your car alarm..... your DRILL, YOUR HAMMER, YOUR CHAINSAW!!!

    • @fandroid6491
      @fandroid6491 Před rokem +6

      @@martinsimeonov1563 I hope at least one person in 7.95 billion owns a pet lyrebird 😂

    • @martinsimeonov1563
      @martinsimeonov1563 Před rokem +3

      @@fandroid6491 🤣 xd no man. Its a protected species

  • @angrygoose23
    @angrygoose23 Před rokem +576

    Whoever voiced the parrots was having a fabulous time.

    • @shahislam5458
      @shahislam5458 Před rokem +16

      Minions did

    • @d.e.b.b5788
      @d.e.b.b5788 Před rokem +32

      It may have been real parrots. I have many hours of mine, chattering away, in English, Polish and a bit of Spanish. Now, I only speak English, but we lived in a neighborhood where other cultures walked past his window every day, so he learned some of the other languages. Plus, we had a mockingbird living in the tree outside his window, and he learned to speak lots of other bird languages, too. It was fascinating listening to the two of them, talking to each other, in languages foreign to both of them.

    • @3bladeninja21
      @3bladeninja21 Před rokem +8

      Plot twist the whole video is parrots and the parrot imitating the narrator had a fabulous time.

  • @DD-kc6hg
    @DD-kc6hg Před rokem +901

    I've had a parrot before. They do understand what catches their owner's attention. She would mimic the Samsung whistle ringtone to get our attention.

    • @stephans1990
      @stephans1990 Před rokem +88

      We recently got parrots. One of them started making very concerning sounds, like something was wrong. We even took him to a clinic to see if he was okay. Turned out he had just learned that we respond quicker when he sounds like he's in trouble.

    • @anonymoussoul3343
      @anonymoussoul3343 Před rokem +11

      @@stephans1990 hahahaaa so intelligent.

    • @SaneGuyFr
      @SaneGuyFr Před rokem +1

      my cockatiel make samsun massenger notification sound.

    • @kanaka118446
      @kanaka118446 Před rokem

      That's sad

    • @existence.5806
      @existence.5806 Před 9 měsíci +1

      Aww

  • @turkeybeard2010
    @turkeybeard2010 Před rokem +506

    They definitely know what they are saying, I had a babysitter who owned a blue yellow macaw and he would say hello, morning, and goodbye at the appropriate times and would swear if he dropped something.

  • @misc0615
    @misc0615 Před rokem +397

    Ok but why is no one talking about how insanely hilarious this video was. The animation and sounds on top of the many jokes legit made me laugh out loud for real 🤣 these parrots are a riot 🦜

    • @d.e.b.b5788
      @d.e.b.b5788 Před rokem +5

      Most of the 'funny' wears off; but they will still surprise you every once in a while with something new. When my parrot laughed at me falling down after tripping on the rug, no one else in the house or anywhere laughing, it was kind of surprising. He's expressed humor numerous times so far, in his 32 years with me. And there's still another 30 to go.....

    • @adrianblake8876
      @adrianblake8876 Před rokem +3

      The only things I found funny was the four parrot joke, and that the voice is shared with the demon of reason, both got real old real fast...

    • @theenlightenedone1283
      @theenlightenedone1283 Před rokem +3

      I love them ... now I need a parrot

    • @damedesuka77
      @damedesuka77 Před rokem +3

      @@theenlightenedone1283 Careful, they have really long lifespan. It's a lifetime commitment. And birds poop all the time they can be a handful to take care of.
      I think they're amazing but I'm nowhere near ready for that kind of commitment, so I'll just settle for CZcams videos like this one or see them at pet fairs 😂

  • @HauKike
    @HauKike Před rokem +293

    If I ever have a parrot i'll train him to say "PLEASE HELP ME, I'M A PRINCE AND I GOT CURSE TO BECOME A PARROT" just to freak out people.

    • @ukulelepaperplane
      @ukulelepaperplane Před rokem +5

      Yes!!

    • @d.e.b.b5788
      @d.e.b.b5788 Před rokem +11

      Don't worry; if he's able to learn that much, all the other things he knows how to say, will definitely freak them out. They are incredibly entertaining companions, and many are quite affectionate once they trust you. A problem is, most people forget that the bird is so tiny compared to other people and animals, and they try to pet them way to vigorously. Many parrot owners believe that rough 'scritching' of a parrots head is appropriate; none of my parrots like that, though. They DO like very gently petting on the top and back of their head, and even the sides of their faces.

    • @jackjackson4851
      @jackjackson4851 Před rokem

      Me too now..lol

    • @cferracini
      @cferracini Před rokem +10

      Just keep in mind that parrots live a lot longer than cats and dogs. Some species reach 60 to 80 years of lifespan. And they can be very loud. My childhood neighbor's parrot was very quiet, only speaking to people who gave him attention but most are a lot noisier.

    • @slewone4905
      @slewone4905 Před rokem +5

      You are worse than me. At my old workplace, there are giant crows near the outdoor eating areas. I would try to teach the crows to say never more.

  • @tridibmondal9148
    @tridibmondal9148 Před rokem +700

    Parrots are almost as big brain as crows and are probably some of the MOST intelligent birds. On top of that, they have a massive lifespan for their size. AND thumb-like claws. Parrots are super OP when it comes to bird worlds.

    • @jackienation12
      @jackienation12 Před rokem +33

      They're probably the animal that would take over the world after humans disappear cause of their long lifespan and intelligence

    • @loki2240
      @loki2240 Před rokem +59

      @@jackienation12 - It's amusing that you don't realize that housecats took over the world when they domesticated us. lol

    • @kingdribs9286
      @kingdribs9286 Před rokem +9

      @@loki2240 no

    • @brawmankerlexterminateurde860
      @brawmankerlexterminateurde860 Před rokem

      And Yet they are sexists
      Cause parrots hates male bebes in one of the articles mentioned about parrot parenting

    • @SA-ff9uc
      @SA-ff9uc Před rokem +4

      Intelligent? How many truly great works of literature made by parrots? How many Nobel prizes? How many songs in the top 40?

  • @Ragnarok2kx
    @Ragnarok2kx Před rokem +350

    Parrots learning swear words is a pretty old trope, but I never realized they probably gravitate to them because they're the sounds associated with stronger human responses.

    • @d.e.b.b5788
      @d.e.b.b5788 Před rokem +28

      Parrots learn sounds (words, too) that they like to hear. If you respond well or give them a treat when they say a particular word, they will likely learn to repeat it. 'Responding well' to them could be anything, including things you would not expect. If you behave all agitated, they might find that entertaining, such as if you yell back at them when they curse. To them, that's fun.

  • @stevengreen9536
    @stevengreen9536 Před rokem +19

    Kid: Look mommy a parrot.
    Parrot: ( censored)

    • @fandroid6491
      @fandroid6491 Před rokem +1

      Mom: **STARES INTENSELY AT THE KID**
      Kid: **Groans for a moment, continues to smile**

  • @raynemichelle2996
    @raynemichelle2996 Před rokem +31

    Some ravens and other corvids can also speak, and of course the lyre bird has a recording-like ability to mimic any sound, including specific voices

  • @waterfountainmountain747
    @waterfountainmountain747 Před rokem +73

    As a former bird mama, and a very amateur ornithologist, I can say that having a parrot comes with a lot of responsibilities, the talking being a part of it. In the wild, they live in large flocks where they communicate constantly. With bigger parrots specifically, they form life long bonds which spans the 50+ years they live. If you do not become that life long partner, they will become depressed. If you do not communicate constantly, they become depressed. This and many other examples is why I find parrots and there imitating so fascinating and endearing!

    • @aaron-damonkassner4715
      @aaron-damonkassner4715 Před rokem +2

      True, I watch this channel on YT called Apollo and frens and it got me hooked on wanting an African Grey Parrot. Very very interesting and fascinating birds.

    • @pustota7254
      @pustota7254 Před rokem

      *their

    • @RockandRollWoman
      @RockandRollWoman Před 10 měsíci +1

      ​@@aaron-damonkassner4715It makes me glad I can watch *their* parrot! I love Apollo.

  • @Mfalme254_
    @Mfalme254_ Před rokem +88

    Ted Ed vids are the closest thing to a time machine we'll ever get to teach us what we weren't taught in schools. We appreciate you guys.

  • @mollymoo4944
    @mollymoo4944 Před rokem +43

    The parrots at my zoo didn’t talk a lot, but they learned when the train( which goes around the zoo) comes by, everyone waves. The parrots learned to recognize the train whistle and start flapping one wing, trying to “wave” at people passing by.

  • @anodominate
    @anodominate Před rokem +128

    Yes I have two parrots in garden they came everyday and sit in my hand from last 10 years and they used to say "main mithu", even they can speak in English too know. They are so cute.

    • @ardenhutchins9572
      @ardenhutchins9572 Před rokem +1

      what language is that??

    • @Shubham-jq2vs
      @Shubham-jq2vs Před rokem +19

      @@ardenhutchins9572 Hindi probably. "Main mithu" translates to "I'm mithu" or "my name is mithu". People here commonly name their pet parrots "mithu" for some reason.

    • @AMRESHKUMAR-vp7wy
      @AMRESHKUMAR-vp7wy Před rokem +4

      @@ardenhutchins9572 Hindi, it translates to i'm mithu, people usually have it as a nickname

    • @AMRESHKUMAR-vp7wy
      @AMRESHKUMAR-vp7wy Před rokem

      @@Shubham-jq2vs nah, mithu is the nickname

    • @black2falcon
      @black2falcon Před rokem

      Mian Mithu is a common pet parrot name in the sub continent. It means Mr Mithu (with Mithu being the name)

  • @lacountess
    @lacountess Před rokem +17

    Alex was a tragic story. Kept in captivity all his life he plucked his feathers and was recorded asking his handlers to let him “go back” while being told he couldn’t until he finished his tests. Poor bird sounded like an exhausted child most of the time, spending his days in a lab doing test after test. Rest In Peace Alex, hope you’re flying high.

    • @Rachel-fi4sc
      @Rachel-fi4sc Před rokem +1

      But he was born in captivity and never learned how to fly?

    • @Rachel-fi4sc
      @Rachel-fi4sc Před rokem +6

      "Wanna go back" usually meant "back to the safety of this cage" in context, and he got the most depressed and stressed out at the end of the year when all the students left and he had less company over the holiday period and his graduating human friends wouldn't come back the next year. Alex made it clear he enjoyed human companionship, and he missed his trainers when they weren't there.

  • @tiffanymarie9750
    @tiffanymarie9750 Před rokem +94

    Parrots as pets is one of the worst instances of abuse we've inflicted on other intelligent species. They require so much care and love that most people aren't willing or able to provide, and end up being abused just because people have no idea how to properly care for them. While their vocalizations and speech capabilities are fascinating, it almost feels like it's become a trap for them, making them seem like attractive, fun pets when they should be left to be happy and healthy amongst themselves in the wild. -_-

    • @d.e.b.b5788
      @d.e.b.b5788 Před rokem +23

      In the wild, their lifespan is less than half what it is in captivity. You should also remember, humans had to adapt to 'captivity' as well; humans born and grown up in the wild are just as wild as wild animals. 'Captive' raised parrots behave much the same as anything else; yes, they are smart, so yes, they can figure out how to live happily along with a human family. They can make wonderful companions; mine has free run of the house, and walks, rather than flies all over (so I had to 'child/parrot' proof the place!). His cage door remains open unless I have to go out or leave him alone for extended periods, and his cage is quite large, with plenty of toys, and a radio playing for him from dawn to dusk. His cage is near a window, so he gets to chatter with people and animals outside the house whenever he wants.
      He often goes for rides in the car; I sit his 'travel cage' on a box, leave the door open and he usually cliimbs on top while riding, to watch the scenery go by, and will often extend his wings in 'play flying' as we drive. He even wears a flight harness as a bird seat belt. He'll likely live to be about 60. He eats whatever I do, and other travelers are fascinated by a parrot 'co-pilot'.

    • @i_observe9846
      @i_observe9846 Před rokem +1

      @@d.e.b.b5788 lovely

    • @book-obsessedweirdo8677
      @book-obsessedweirdo8677 Před rokem +16

      @@d.e.b.b5788 That's true, but it doesn't change the fact that many parrots are gotten as pets by people who just want a cool sounding ornament, and aren't actually willing to care for it, as is true for all domestic animals. I'm not saying that parrots don't make lovely friends and are perfectky capaboe of being happy in captivity (i want a parrot so much) but the idiots of the human population must always be taken into acount.

    • @Peacemaker-96
      @Peacemaker-96 Před rokem +7

      @@d.e.b.b5788 while it may be true for you, OP's statement was more general.
      As for most parrots, snached from their wild parents or mass produced just to spend it's life in a cage as an elusive trophy.

    • @killerkirby366
      @killerkirby366 Před rokem

      Exactly and one big problem is people only get one parrot they are super social and need freinds

  • @beadmecreative9485
    @beadmecreative9485 Před rokem +241

    A parrot recited his full name 🥺😂 and his address. Damn that’s a very distinguished parrot to have a first and last name. Good parrot! 🫡

    • @d.e.b.b5788
      @d.e.b.b5788 Před rokem +13

      I taught mine my name, phone, and address, then would reward him with a sunflower seed (a treat most people will give parrots). That's the only time I give him that treat; so if he ever gets lost, and someone gives him a sunflower seed, they will hear my name, address, and phone number.

    • @fastinradfordable
      @fastinradfordable Před rokem

      Damn this was understated

    • @vuat9402
      @vuat9402 Před rokem +1

      Hahaha your comment made me smile:)

    • @Meboy-uv5td
      @Meboy-uv5td Před rokem +1

      ok but imagine getting doxxed by an mf parrot

    • @Melnokina.-.
      @Melnokina.-. Před rokem

      ​@@d.e.b.b5788 so you're keeping the poor animal captive. Plus most people dont walk around with sunflower seeds lmao. Thr alley cats will kill it

  • @terramater
    @terramater Před rokem +24

    Amazing how quick you explain something so complex! Parrots are such beautiful and intelligent birds, but sadly also one of the most trafficked ones! There is a great paper about it, looking at decades of data. Our team took a closer look at it, as it stands about 50% of all parrots are held in captivity.

  • @easamohammed9811
    @easamohammed9811 Před rokem +2

    in a parallel universe:
    'Why can humans talk?' - Parrot

  • @GhostChild191
    @GhostChild191 Před rokem +6

    Once at my local pet shop, I belched in front of a parrot and the parrot responded with, "say excuse me."

    • @d.e.b.b5788
      @d.e.b.b5788 Před rokem

      Mine does excuse himself after he makes the burping sound. Freaks people out. It was easy to teach.

  • @KTChamberlain
    @KTChamberlain Před rokem +74

    As someone with a high-functioning form of autism (Apserger's syndrome), I can honestly say that parrots share some common ground with those in the autism spectrum, especially since both are easily misunderstood. Before Alex the parrot, it was believed that all parrots could do was mimicry, but Dr. Pepperberg proved them wrong. People tend to think people with autism simply just mimic others or what they hear on TV like a parrot. While there is some truth to that, it's more complex than that. Parrots are a lot smarter than they're given credit for, much like people with autism tend to be. Sometimes parrots can be social, sometimes they can't be with strangers, and other times they have to work on it. And sometimes one parrot won't always get along with another parrot for one reason or another. I didn't always get along with other people with autism when I was in Special Ed.

    • @d.e.b.b5788
      @d.e.b.b5788 Před rokem

      Please be aware, that now, claiming to have any form of Autism, or 'being on the spectrum', is, to the rest of society, just sort of claiming to be human. The mental health professions have expanded the definition for Autism so far, that everyone can now be diagnosed with it. All you need, is a friendly psychologist or psychiatrist to write it up as such, and BINGO! Now you're Autistic. It's a shame, because those with true functional problems won't be considered 'really' ill anymore; much like telling someone you have fibromyalgia; most think it's just another psychosomatic, made up disease, because there's no tests which can confirm it.
      One of the psychologists I work with, explained it as 'one way to get everyone who wants it, the help they need, and have it covered by their insurance'. Great, but it just makes the public think it's not real. Hope you are doing well. Good luck.

    • @hatashes5650
      @hatashes5650 Před rokem +1

      I was just thinking about something along the lines of what you said for some reason even tho I don't even have ASD (as far as I know).

    • @gimygaming8655
      @gimygaming8655 Před rokem +1

      This is very interesting, especially the last part

    • @emperorofpluto
      @emperorofpluto Před rokem +1

      Interesting observation - I have a friend who's on the spectrum who hand raised a baby rainbow lorikeet rejected by his own parents and this little bird, Jumpy, has absolutely astonishing language skills: he knows the name of each of the four humans he lives with, he asks for a variety of food and drink by name, he can ask for a bath, using language the way a human child would.
      I have always wondered if Jumpy's impressive vocabulary and language proficiency was the result of his human being on the spectrum.

  • @BierBart12
    @BierBart12 Před 10 měsíci +3

    The syrinx is so fascinating. Imagine the music industry in a society of sapient birds, being able to sing in so many more vocal ranges than we ever could, they'd never even THINK of using AI to replicate speech/singing.

  • @manavsaboo9610
    @manavsaboo9610 Před rokem +14

    This is the best ted ed video ever. The background music and sound effects are so fun. Please keep this up!!

  • @sitiainaimn
    @sitiainaimn Před rokem +5

    I burst out laughing at 4:00 because that thought bubble caught me off guard 😭

  • @Toast_Drawz
    @Toast_Drawz Před rokem +17

    "What color am I?"
    I felt that

    • @Fummy007
      @Fummy007 Před rokem +3

      Grey. its in the name of his species.

  • @sun.fl0
    @sun.fl0 Před rokem +7

    Seems the British parrot went on a world tour

  • @dante_0962
    @dante_0962 Před rokem +4

    3:41 I love that child’s reaction 😂

  • @kenbrown2808
    @kenbrown2808 Před rokem +4

    I miss my rescue parrot. she taught me a lot about parrot thought processes. and yes, they do assign meaning to what they say. it is sometimes even the meaning we assign to it.

  • @ElectricIguana
    @ElectricIguana Před rokem +7

    I had a parrot who often quoted Lincoln. He had emancipated himself from his cage within 4 score and 7 years.

  • @sandygod
    @sandygod Před rokem +26

    Ted-Ed answering the kind of questions my mind starts to make when I get insomnia 🙌🏻

  • @TDG361
    @TDG361 Před rokem +12

    An outstanding good lesson and animation. I loved it! Parrots are great animals, and I have always lived near one.

  • @aroyaki
    @aroyaki Před rokem +2

    The kid laughing again after hearing the cursing was enough to break me... (into laughter)

  • @cutechristaandfishyjay8955

    Great video! I had a budgie that swore. I inadvertently taught him how to swear. I didn't know anything about budgies at the time. He picked up the F-word and could say it very clearly. He said other things like budgie budgie & I love you. However he never said those things when I had friends/family over. The first time he met my current boyfriend he told him to F-off. I was mortified. My boyfriend's shocked response was "I didn't know budgies can talk!"
    It turns out they are one of the top talking parrots out there.

  • @akumaking1
    @akumaking1 Před rokem +7

    Apparently parrots like music and singing as well.

    • @d.e.b.b5788
      @d.e.b.b5788 Před rokem

      But just like humans, apparently the speech and music sections of their brains are different. Most parrots are tone deaf. They can sing, but it doesn't sound very good. I've only seen a couple that can actually sing on key.

  • @elbacar4838
    @elbacar4838 Před rokem +2

    I live in highland park California and we have lots of this beautiful, amazing parrots coming and eating from the trees in our street, nobody bothers them and we respect them ❤️

  • @coocoowong5045
    @coocoowong5045 Před rokem +1

    Smiling at the monk parakeet noise. I wish they sound so sweet. Monk parakeet owner here.

  • @emperorofpluto
    @emperorofpluto Před rokem +12

    The story about Alex and his trainer Irene Pepperberg is fascinating - and moving: his last words to her were, "Goodnight. You be good. I love you".
    Been around parrots most of my life - wild and domesticated - as I live in Sydney and did wildlife rescue for years. Grew up with a cranky sulphur crested cockatoo (a wild rescue who couldn't be released back into the wild because he couldn't fly) and was easily as intelligent (and as temperamental) as a human toddler.
    Witnessed some remarkable examples of avian intelligence and applied language and thus far the best example I have seen of actual language is a male rainbow lorikeet called Jumpy who was rejected by his parents as a baby and was raised by a friend's brother. Jumpy had names for each of the four humans he lived with and could ask for a variety of foods by name, when he wanted a bath he'd mimic the sound of running water, when he was bored of something he'd beep like the microwave, and he would mimic the raised voice of a certain female member of the household to express disapproval.
    Wild parrots use vocalisations in much the same way humans use language: to find and communicate sources of food and water, to maintain social relationships, for courtship and mating, for security and threat identification, so when they live with humans we become their flock, so presumably they learn and adapt their communication style.
    In the wild rainbow lorikeets have a remarkably sophisticated range of vocalisations that seems to function as a kind of language - and actually _sounds_ like language.
    There's a bonded pair of rainbow lorikeets who spend a lot of time on my balcony (the female was a wild rescue I'd released three years previously) and listening to their chatter is a source of endless fascination. And joy - they always sound cheerful.
    My own parrots are like flying antidepressants. Intelligent, affectionate and beautiful.

  • @cferracini
    @cferracini Před rokem +4

    When I was a child my neighbor had a rescued parrot. Really smart bird. I was shocked to learn they could live for over 60 years. Compared to a dog or a cat that can reach 20 years if long lived, it's quite a lot.

    • @sg-qs2mi
      @sg-qs2mi Před rokem +2

      dog or a cat live rarely more that 12 years

  • @la_beatrice
    @la_beatrice Před 25 dny

    I used to take french lessons at the teacher's home, and she would always greet me at the door with a cheerful "ça va". Her parrot, however, would always beat her to it. A milisecond after I rang the door bell, the parrot would chant about five ça vas. He was great. He often tried to take part in the conversation classes, muttering vaguely french-like sounds.

  • @TH__TranPhuongQuynh
    @TH__TranPhuongQuynh Před rokem +1

    Might be the best video I've ever watched. Absolutely love it ❤️

  • @LukeAmaral
    @LukeAmaral Před rokem +3

    3:11 "42 Wallaby Way, Sydney"

  • @thadsul
    @thadsul Před rokem +3

    Ah yes, the parrot, the one other creature that roots with us during football matches and annoys the neighbors that support different clubs by singing our carefully thaught chants and anthems

  • @ChristianPauchet
    @ChristianPauchet Před rokem

    They bring so much joy in one's life, they're always full of surprises.

  • @swflracing
    @swflracing Před rokem

    The animations and sounds are wonderful in this vid. Great job guys😊

  • @amrin5190
    @amrin5190 Před rokem +9

    Love the explanation and animation ♥️🥰
    Especially the Parrot's voice it's soooo cute😊🥰

  • @ElChicoBush
    @ElChicoBush Před rokem +3

    The humor was on point in this video, lol
    Great work as always!

  • @Greenpenn
    @Greenpenn Před rokem +1

    Right from the start I already knew this was Anton Bogaty's animation. Their animation style is so recognizable and it has become my absolute favourite ❤

  • @Ami5Jo
    @Ami5Jo Před rokem +4

    Too bad there aren't more comments about the end notes which were beautiful. We need to realize that capturing wild animals is not acceptable anymore and preserving habitats is crucial for our own survival as well.
    If you love parrots or any animal donate to a good cause.
    Thanx Ted-Ed.

  • @gauravsmatharu
    @gauravsmatharu Před rokem +3

    Is this the same voice actor that voices the demon of reason? I’m that the only one that can hear it right?

  • @Moonwalker1075
    @Moonwalker1075 Před rokem +1

    I bet the first people who heard parrots talked were like: *excuse me what did it just do*

  • @nzuckman
    @nzuckman Před rokem +3

    The cop running to find someone screaming for help was the least realistic part of the video

  • @briantaylor9285
    @briantaylor9285 Před rokem +4

    Hilarious animation, love it.
    Parrots are amazing.

  • @GaasubaMeskhenet
    @GaasubaMeskhenet Před rokem +4

    3:58
    He asked "What color Alex?"
    He also invented at least one word himself "Yummy Bread" He had never had cake before

    • @d.e.b.b5788
      @d.e.b.b5788 Před rokem +1

      He also invented 'banerry' to name an apple, a cross between apple and banana.

  • @HumbleFoxGaming
    @HumbleFoxGaming Před rokem +1

    lol i can imagine a parrot cursing away

  • @David-iy1zt
    @David-iy1zt Před rokem +1

    A species learning sounds is highly useful to tell if a predator is approaching or prey is fleeing.
    The mimicry can also be used to manipulate. Imagine seeing a rodent eating some grains Just hiss like a snake, they scatter and you swoop in.
    Learning and repeating sounds to see their effect is a very smart and low risk capability.

  • @bachtruongjdm362
    @bachtruongjdm362 Před rokem +4

    YES! THANK U TED ED!
    My favorite animal ever is parrot! Also nice lesson too!

  • @claudiaeliss
    @claudiaeliss Před rokem +20

    Thanks for ending with the fact that we need to study them in their habitat. I have been rescuing and fostering parrots for more than 10 years and what these beautiful creatures go through in the hands of humans is awful. Breeding and selling them is moral crime (like it is any other sentient being). Another factor that many parrot lovers overlook is deforestation due to their consumption of meat and animal products in general. The main drive of deforestation and devastating of wild life habitat is due to cattle grazing and growing grains for animal feed. So if you love parrots or any other non human creature on this Earth please don't buy pet parrots and please don't contribute with the devastation of their homes.

    • @robertdesantis6205
      @robertdesantis6205 Před rokem +5

      Never buy any pet from a pet store! Adopt, don't shop! 🐶🐱🦜

  • @drfill9210
    @drfill9210 Před rokem +1

    I have 2 parrots and they have a combination of words and body language that enables them to communicate effectively. They know a few of my words and have adapted a few key words for their own purposes.

  • @1111MeditationPortal
    @1111MeditationPortal Před rokem

    This information was really great, thanks.

  • @bravimmari1592
    @bravimmari1592 Před rokem +10

    Imaginem que loucura se os cães e gatos tivessem a mesma capacidade de reproduzir sons?!

  • @bluevozhak
    @bluevozhak Před rokem +8

    I have 3, all different species, I am convinced they know the right context to say what. A story is told in my country amongst the people who are of Indian descent that the Goddess Parvati asked the great God Shiva the story of the universe. As Shiva narrated Parvati dozed off but a near by parrot made sounds that led Shiva to believe Parvati was listening. The story went on for years, at the end Shiva saw Parvati was asleep, the Parrot flew off having learnt to talk after listening to Shiva for many years :)

    • @d.e.b.b5788
      @d.e.b.b5788 Před rokem

      More likely, is that in most cases, they are simply learning the 'right' response to other phrases and behaviors. Put your jacket on? They will say goodbye. Come in the front door? They say hello. They want something? if you gave it to them in response enough times, they will learn to say that word to get what they want.
      However: Mine asked me for a peanut; I said, 'I don't have any peanuts'. And his response, was a perfect 'raisin?' with the tonal inflection going up at the end of the word, like a question. Now, I didn't teach him that. he'd previously asked for a raisin as a statement, not as a question. I do not know how he learned the difference.

  • @nancymyers4449
    @nancymyers4449 Před rokem +1

    Oh, that poor old dude!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! He's just sitting there, just relaxing, eatin' crackers, then all of sudden, his parrot SCREAMS at the top of it's lungs, and startles him senseless!!!! funny as heck!!!!!!!!!

  • @lel0uchvibritannia981
    @lel0uchvibritannia981 Před rokem +2

    A owner’s parrot was crucial to solving the owner’s murder. It was very tragic

    • @TORchic1
      @TORchic1 Před rokem +1

      I was thinking about that case the other day. (At least if it's the same case I was thinking of.)
      It was some guy who was found shot to death at his home. The parrot was given to the owner's ex-wife (or ex-girlfriend i don't remember) when the parrot kept frantically repeating something like "wait don't shoot!! Stop!!" and some other stuff. I think it turned out that his current wife shot him while they were arguing over financial troubles.
      The parrot was in the room when the murder happened and might have picked up the words during that traumatic experience.

    • @lel0uchvibritannia981
      @lel0uchvibritannia981 Před rokem +1

      @@TORchic1 that’s the one

    • @TORchic1
      @TORchic1 Před rokem

      @@lel0uchvibritannia981 oh cool! Glad we were on the same page then!

    • @d.e.b.b5788
      @d.e.b.b5788 Před rokem

      There was another, where a cockatoo was the pet; someone broke into the house and attacked the owner, and the cockatoo attacked the intruder who was beating the old man. The killer eventually killed the cockatoo, but when arrested, he was found to have multiple deep cockatoo bite marks which matched the bird's beak. They convicted him partially on that evidence. Those beaks are DANGEROUS.

  • @ShamWerks
    @ShamWerks Před rokem +3

    2:22. : "they have specially flexible powerful tongues that help them manipulate seeds and nuts". Interesting. My ex was half parrot I guess.

    • @Bee-45000
      @Bee-45000 Před 3 měsíci

      If that means what I think it means........
      I AM UTTERLY DISCUSSED

  • @osmanbertugc
    @osmanbertugc Před rokem +23

    Just an info:Dont let your domestic birds(budgies, love birds, parrots etc.)flew away out of window. You thought they got freedom. Yes theyre getting freedom but it ends up terrible. Mostly becoming prey of other animals. Of course its sad that they arent at their habibats but theyre not wild animals. The best think to do is being a friend with your birds And not to act them like prisoners, let them fly around in the house. Be careful and dont forget to close window when theyre out of cage. See you later guys! :)

    • @d.e.b.b5788
      @d.e.b.b5788 Před rokem

      While they CAN fly, many don't. the bird store owners where we got our birds, made sure that they had their wings clipped as baby birds; their theory, is that if the bird grows up not being able to fly, they will learn to walk first, and that becomes their primary mode of transportation. As they showed us the birds in the store, sure enough, even the ones that could fly, didn't unless they felt threatened.
      And it did work exactly that way for us, too; all our parrots prefer to walk or climb, rather than fly. We never had to clip their wings again, so they're all full flighted, IF THEY WANT TO. We just think flying must be lots of fun, so many people think birds must feel the same way, but to them, flying is just a faster mode of transportation. It quickly loses it's thrill for them. Remember when you were a kid? You ran EVERYWHERE, because it was more fun.Now, think, how often to you run everywhere 'just for fun'? Same with parrots; while flying is initially fun, it uses up tremendous amounts of energy. So as long as they feel safe doing it, they walk.

    • @osmanbertugc
      @osmanbertugc Před rokem

      @@d.e.b.b5788thank you i wasnt know that, i just wanted to tell people to dont let your domestic birds flew away out of window cause of they die. Of course they dont want expend energy but once they got out, they dont know what to do and fly to everywhere. Thank you again!

  • @missingnoo
    @missingnoo Před rokem +1

    Great video as says, TED.

  • @Maddyfae29
    @Maddyfae29 Před rokem +1

    learned while volunteering at a wildlife shelter that crows are also capable of human speech. i knew they were smart but didn't think they had the physical capacity, it was such a shock

  • @quakeknight9680
    @quakeknight9680 Před rokem +4

    Imagine if a crow had that ability

    • @Fummy007
      @Fummy007 Před rokem +1

      They kinda do, not as good as parrots but they can make sounds they hear.

    • @NZ_BraveHeart_0120
      @NZ_BraveHeart_0120 Před rokem +2

      Well, actually, there HAVE been multiple recorded instances where crows and several other corvid species have imitated human speech to a similar extent as that of parrots.

    • @aditisk99
      @aditisk99 Před rokem +3

      They have great memory and are known to hold grudges.

    • @d.e.b.b5788
      @d.e.b.b5788 Před rokem +2

      @@aditisk99 Not only that, but they communicate with each other. A crow that witnessed a particular human doing something mean to other birds, apparently went back to inform his flock about where he saw that man and what he looked like. A year later, a different crow saw the same man, and gave out the warning call, but ONLY when that particular man was seen.

    • @billyandrew
      @billyandrew Před rokem

      Crows are not only able to mimic human speech, but are on par with parrots with regards to intelligence.
      Further, they are tool users and also mourn their dead.
      They bear grudges, recognising those that have done their species wrong and conveying that to the others in their group, as has already been pointed out, but they also reward humans they like with gifts.

  • @ChanwooPark-me1wc
    @ChanwooPark-me1wc Před rokem +5

    앵무새들은 참 신기한 동물인 것 같습니다. 앵무새가 과연 우리 말을 진짜 이해하고 따라하는 건지 항상 궁금했는데, 이 영상을 보고 마치 강아지가 ‘산책’ 이라는 단어의 뜻을 아는 것처럼 행동하는 것과 비슷하다는 생각이 들었습니다. 유익한 영상 감사합니다!

  • @TrinhLe-kx4sz
    @TrinhLe-kx4sz Před rokem +1

    the parrots’ sounds in this video are adorably adorable 🥺

  • @bigbirdbirdbird
    @bigbirdbirdbird Před rokem +1

    Wow. im a parront and this art and animation made me smile so much, really filled me with warm fuzzy feelings. Super cute video

  • @lemoneater6690
    @lemoneater6690 Před rokem +6

    me running away from the pet shop after teaching all the parrots every swear word

  • @johnacetable7201
    @johnacetable7201 Před rokem +14

    In conclusion: Not only parrots can immitate human speech, but humans can immitate parrots signals.

  • @jaebird3077
    @jaebird3077 Před rokem +2

    I just got an African Grey, poor guy hurt his wing as a baby, and it is amazing. It started imitating my voice in about a week. Now I want to teach him French while I'm learning it haha

    • @Chong56
      @Chong56 Před 2 měsíci

      They learnt within a week ! Great

  • @yourelovin
    @yourelovin Před rokem +1

    my african grey constantly mimics the sound of the man who delivers bread in the evenings- sending everybody in my neighbourhood running to their front doors because they’re convinced it’s the man himself :D

    • @d.e.b.b5788
      @d.e.b.b5788 Před rokem

      Mine initially had his cage near the front door; he learned to mimic the sounds of the doorlocks being opened, the doorknob being turned, the squeek of the hinges when the door opened and closed, and the thunk of the heavy door closing.... then he would say, 'Hi, I'm home' in MY voice. My wife would come to see me, but no one was there.... except the bird. She thought she was going crazy, until she caught him doing it one day.
      I've also had friends angry at me for refusing to answer the door, because they could hear what they thought was me, talking, when it was just the bird.

  • @--Paws--
    @--Paws-- Před rokem +4

    I wonder if certain cephalopods were to have a larynx and lungs, would they be able to mimic speech?

  • @offthetop1794
    @offthetop1794 Před 3 měsíci

    I couldn’t stop laughing when you said the parrot started speaking Spanish 😂😂

  • @katanakhip
    @katanakhip Před rokem

    "is our hostage still alive?" I would teach my parrot to as in public 😂

  • @curiodyssey3867
    @curiodyssey3867 Před rokem +4

    lmfao that parrot saying 'invest in crypto' needs a lesson in market volatility

    • @thesexybatman263
      @thesexybatman263 Před rokem +6

      At least it didn't say to invest on NFT's.

    • @billyandrew
      @billyandrew Před rokem

      Oh, I don't know.
      I took it's advice, invested in bcoin and got my initial sum more than doubled in just four days
      Wonder if it has any other financial tips?

  • @viniciusbrian1315
    @viniciusbrian1315 Před rokem +7

    Here in brazil a parrot go to jail one time because he alert that the police was coming, the owner was a drug dealer and he teach him to stay eye in the street and scream "police!!!" if he see the cops.

    • @chikiexx6587
      @chikiexx6587 Před rokem +1

      Oh

    • @chriss780
      @chriss780 Před rokem +1

      polly wasn't no snitch, respect

    • @billyandrew
      @billyandrew Před rokem

      Polly weren't no stool pigeon.
      Word.

    • @billyandrew
      @billyandrew Před rokem

      @@chriss780
      Polly...The Eye in the Sky and the boss' wingman.

  • @vernelledouglas1801
    @vernelledouglas1801 Před rokem +1

    I strongly believe that the parrot that repeated its address to strangers certainly understood what it was saying and doing.

  • @yusufrosyid3561
    @yusufrosyid3561 Před 6 měsíci

    How intellegent bird it is. Parrot has beautiful voice, and having a parrot makes ur home become colorfull😂😂

  • @prostatecancergaming9531

    Wow

  • @JeremyWS
    @JeremyWS Před rokem +7

    Are you telling me that I could teach my parrot how to hold a conversation in English? I've always wanted to do that.

    • @billyandrew
      @billyandrew Před rokem +1

      You can teach it a limited amount of words, phrases and maybe responses that will sound like a conversation, in any language, but not all parrots want to 'talk'.
      This is where the expression _'repeating, parrot fashion'_ comes from, meaning no real thought is going on, just a word or phrase repeated with little understanding of it's meaning.

  • @WhiskerWhippers
    @WhiskerWhippers Před rokem

    That video where the guy smashes the cage and the bird swears at it is hilarious

  • @CeceRub
    @CeceRub Před rokem +1

    the most fascinating i’ve seen is that my quaker parrot, gatsby, has named my former roommate gatsby as well as it’s very close to her real name, which is kelcey. he’s heard me call her name and has called what is as close as possible to it. she once was cleaning and he said “gatsby, come here!” and it scared the living daylights out of her due to how close it sounded to her name.

  • @Kui.G.
    @Kui.G. Před rokem +3

    I think what I got from this is they still don't know why parrots talk ...they only explained how it's possible for them to imitate human speech not how intelligent they are to process the meaning of certain sounds and their effects or meaning

    • @d.e.b.b5788
      @d.e.b.b5788 Před rokem

      They talk for the same reason they learn other sounds; because they like how they sound, OR saying them gets a particular response from another animal or a human (OR even Alexa, some parrots have fun turning on and off the music, or the lights, or getting blinds or curtains to be open or closed if they are voice controlled). My African gray, will yell at the other birds to be quiet if they are making too much noise. He used to yell at the dogs to 'STOP IT' when they were barking incessantly...... and the dogs obeyed, because THAT damn bird SOUNDS EXACTLY LIKE ME!

  • @junetara9680
    @junetara9680 Před rokem +3

    Ravens are also able to speak!

  • @bjo004
    @bjo004 Před rokem

    This video was so interesting. Really had fun watching it. 😂. Well done. 👏🏾

  • @Skyehye3113
    @Skyehye3113 Před rokem

    The parrot slapping the other one out of the way was so funny to me

  • @linkin543210
    @linkin543210 Před rokem +6

    3:24 “invest in crypto” 🤣 such little scammers

  • @kakarikiIck
    @kakarikiIck Před rokem +3

    Thanks for this knowledge!

  • @maxxysitlhou6266
    @maxxysitlhou6266 Před rokem +1

    Remember that time when there was a zoo where parrots were swearing at each other and the visitors

  • @theenigma6160
    @theenigma6160 Před rokem

    That one parrot: poses question
    Me: *Did that parrot become a lord of cinder???*

  • @aintnothinglikeme9604
    @aintnothinglikeme9604 Před rokem +3

    잘해구와~

  • @KTChamberlain
    @KTChamberlain Před rokem +13

    I have a wide range of voices as an impressionist and can also match certain sound effects, though nowhere near as much compared to Michael Winslow, and when people ask me how I can do that, I imagine it's similar to how parrots can sound like humans and match sound effects.

  • @laylac528
    @laylac528 Před 2 měsíci

    My quaker parrot is super smart, I love learning more about his species and his history. The part where birds can speak at certain times for example night time and say goodnight is so true! My bird is still learning so when its night time he says "good morning" which is so funny, and when I put him to sleep he says I love you (he saves it for night time he rarely says it day time) He gives me a kiss when I put my face close to his. Over all birds are super smart, and I believe its our jobs as humans to keep them thriving as they are meant to be thriving