Parrot mimicking?

[saurian]

I've been watching a lot of parrots on YouTube this weekend, and I've noticed something regarding talking and mimicking. As well as loosely copying and repeating words and phrases that we say, I believe I have seen a few cases of parrots mimicking the tone and pitch of our voices, but but with noises and calls rather than words? I'm not sure if I'm being too clear on this, but I believe it could be the birds trying to fit in with their flocks. This opens up a whole new perspective on avian intelligence for me, and I hope to start an interesting discussion regarding the depth of mimicry.

 

[fiddlejen]

I just spent time with some musician friends whose macaw makes a bugle-sounding call. He wants you to repeat it back, and when you do, he does it again with More Notes and greater variety of pitches or with key-changes added. He would probably keep it up indefinitely; I had to drop out after a few rounds.

 

[saurian]

I just spent time with some musician friends whose macaw makes a bugle-sounding call. He wants you to repeat it back, and when you do, he does it again with More Notes and greater variety of pitches or with key-changes added. He would probably keep it up indefinitely; I had to drop out after a few rounds.

Extremely intelligent creatures; I believe they have an instinctive knack for music.

 

[Tami2]

Levi has 3 different voices at this point, my husband's, mine and his own.
It's pretty cool!

 

[Ellie777Australia]

Our Ellie loves to repeat musical notes (in sequence) that my husband creates for her. After a couple of rounds, he may add a new note or vary the tone and she will repeat it exactly the same. Once he repeats it correctly as well, she will add her own new (and more complex) note or tone and test his musical skill at repeating her additions. It's fun to listen to and observe LOL.

 

[Scott]

All but two of my flock are cockatoos. Not know for verbal aptitude but have a penchant for physical mimicry. They love to bob their heads for attention, and I'll join in the fun. I'll often approach them and begin bobbing, leading to return behavior in just seconds!

My BFA has extensive vocabulary but behaves like a sound chip. No rhyme or reason to what he says. I also have a TAG who is almost silent, save for chirps, clucks, and whistles.

 

[wrench13]

Interesting line of reasoning. Produce your manuscripts, sir !

 

[Scott]

I've noted another form of mimicry with shadows. Several of my Goffins are obsessed with late afternoon shadowing against a wall. They'll stare intently and make subtle movements, pause, and observe. Hard to know what they are thinking as the imagery is far less distinctive compared with mirrors.