Question about Parrot Voices

[Casper223]

I've heard many words spoken by many birds, and always find that enjoyable. One of the biggest questions I have though is this, I hear some Parrots mimic a woman voice, and some Mimic a man's voice, and obviously realize the connection, But I've heard others talk in an almost Robotic voice..... Does anyone care to elaborate how that happens please, I've tried different searches and keep drawing up a blank, but I'm curious. thank You.

 

[Inger]

I think some of it depends on the species. African Greys, of course, have an ability to really mimic voices. Smaller parrots (parrotlets, budgies, cockatiels) all sound much more robotic, as you put it.

Unless you mean the same bird coming up with different voices. Then I have no idea.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[YSGC]

I suspect the (what I'll call) accents vary because of anatomical differences in various species of birds.

 

[noodles123]

I think it is species oriented as well. My "too" sounds like an old man eating a sandwich most of the time, but she will try to match the pitch of certain phrases (so if you speak in a high-pitched voice long enough, she will raise her pitch to imitate that, but only if it is novel). The only time she sounds "like me" is when she says "Hiiiiii" (that one sounds female). She definitely will imitate rhythm/rate and inflection, but in most cases, she uses her low, gravelly voice to do it (it's her standard speaking voice). She has a clearer voice that she uses when being assertive/enthusiastic voice, but it still sounds nothing like me (closer to a lower version of Mickey Mouse ) lol.
Most cockatoos I have met sound fairly similar when speaking.

 

[wrench13]

I can only vouch for the Amazons I have had, never owned a grey or cockatoo. One was a really good talker and mimic and would copy the pitch and sound of a given voice. Salty has at least 4 voices he uses, mine, my wife's, some he has picked up from Youtube videos, and he has his own 'robot' voice.

 

[SailBoat]

Never underestimate where one's Parrot is learning Language! In today's World of voice based tech stuff, which is everywhere. Having a Parrot speaking in a robot like language will become ever more common.

As stated, species does play a large part in variation in tone, pitch and cadence.

 

[Casper223]

Wrench13: I can only vouch for the Amazons I have had, never owned a grey or cockatoo. One was a really good talker and mimic and would copy the pitch and sound of a given voice. Salty has at least 4 voices he uses, mine, my wife's, some he has picked up from Youtube videos, and he has his own 'robot' voice.

I'm wondering if the Robot voice is what they hear coming from the digital media such as youtube, TV's, DVD's, etc.... Although we can hear it in it's sharpness and clarity, pitch, I wonder if when it comes from one of those sources if the sound is heard differently, almost like for instance, the other day I watched a "Denzel Washington" movie "Man on Fire" and as it started off my English Bulldog was Howling, I immediately paused the movie to see if there were sirens going off somewhere, knowing that sound hurts his ears, and no siren, and he stopped howling, I started the Movie again, and immediately he started howling again. I joked clearly he must not be a "Danzel Washington" fan, but the fact clearly, he heard something in the music playing in the intro that I couldn't hear.

Sailboat:Never underestimate where one's Parrot is learning Language! In today's World of voice based tech stuff, which is everywhere. Having a Parrot speaking in a robot like language will become ever more common.

As stated, species does play a large part in variation in tone, pitch and cadence.

Sailboat, I know the Cockatoo talks in it's own voice, and I've rarely been able to tell if it's had a male or female source, but as it mimics words, their in it's own tone. I just found the Robot, mechanical voice really freaky, I really enjoy the Male/Female mimics of most birds, and realize the Cockatoo has it's own voice, But I've heard the Robotic voice coming from a Cape Parrot, from African Grey's, and even once from an Electus. Of course my curiosity was on fire, because I did dislike the voice very much, I do want to learn more about the source. I've "Google"d this question, I've searched it being asked a dozen different ways, and all I get are dead ends. The other day I asked a question to you privately, in relation to my daughter and her family, reference to the Amazons Temperment, One avenue I've never explored was the "Cape Parrot" The Cape Parrot seems to be much more fitting to my daughters family, and the more I read, the more I like what I'm reading. My granddaughter is a very mature 5 year old, who has her PawPa's heart for loving pets. Of course I'll wait until she's older without a doubt, and in the meantime, I've looked over our forums, I don't see a forum for Cape Parrots, I think they must be integrated with "other" parrots, or in with the Senegals. However I haven't really read any threads directly related to behavior, temperament, foods etc for the Cape Parrot, But I have read several articles about their independence, their vocabulary potential "although you and I spoke about reducing the wants in your bird, and be more receptive to what you get and love your bird for what you get" which is some of the best advice I believe has ever been spoken, and I heard it well. Although the Cape is a fairly Quiet parrot, very content to play with it's toys, finding a hand reared, baby mixed with these traits seems almost too good to be true. I also read if the opportunity presents itself to grab one of these guys as a pet, think hard, and think twice before passing up on the opportunity. I know your an Amazon guy, between you and Wrench13, and I really appreciate both of your knowledgeable replies to my questions, I was thinking if I provided her with an Amazon Parrot, she would have to be much older, and if I decided to go with a Cape Parrot, Then she could possibly be a responsible owner at a younger age. The Robotic voice came up as I was watching a you tube video, and that stopped me dead in my tracks. My grand daughter loves to sing karaoke from my daughters house, has her little box and microphone, and sings all day long. She loves to attend church, and sings at the top of her lungs to different hymns being sung in church. My daughter tells me, She cannot wait to join the children choir lol. So if I'm correct, in the bird picking up the Robotic voice from Sources such as DVD's, TV's, YouTube, and even through the radio, I'm really worried if it starts speaking in the freaky Robotic voice how she will react, knowing she's a lot like me, and I dislike it lol, anyways that's why I'm asking, and for whom I'm asking. The other thing I dislike, is the Cape Parrot is said to have about a 30 year life Span, So I was looking for a bird who would accommodate her to about 75 years old, A pet that she will always associate with as a gift from me to her, hopefully that doesn't seem strange, but I do want to pair the two in a long term lasting relationship, where they could possibly bond and be happy with for her life span anyway.

I am sorry I had to highlight your answers as I did so I could answer them separately, I'm not familiar with how the multi Quote button works, I'll have to ask that question, for in the future.

 

[SailBoat]

My good friend, there are numerous ways to handle addressing multiple responses. Yours is as good, possible better than any other.
Cape Parrots are wonderful Parrots in so many ways.

 

[Casper223]

My good friend, there are numerous ways to handle addressing multiple responses. Yours is as good, possible better than any other.
Cape Parrots are wonderful Parrots in so many ways.

Sailboat, I've read so many articles about the Cape parrot, and everyone of them sum it it best by saying this is a fairly new Species, and more research needs to be done, But again cannot say enough good about this Parrot. Temperment, Independence, Quietness, Great talkers, Cuddly, adaptivity into a family flock environment, It seems like all the best traits all rolled into one bird, but then the lifespan of 30 years in captivity, of course with excellent care may live a bit longer, but in just my opinion, all these great traits rolled into 1 bird, I'd like to see my granddaughter and the Cape parrot live an equal life span, not her burying her life long friend at 35 yrs old, as so many other have a 50-60 year and even 70-80 year life span. I know she has her mother and father that would help her through her college years, and yet as she takes on her first job and the part where she starts her own life can be really hectic, and yet the bird is quite forgiving, and self entertained with toys etc, almost a perfect bird and scenario for my Grand daughter, with a cape if it just had a longer life span. Please feel free to elaborate on your reply Sailboat, because all the researching I've done doesn't add up to someone who personally owns one, is a parront to one, or has life experience living with one.

 

[wrench13]

THere's a lady on one of the other parrot web boards who has a Cape Parrot. If I remember rightly , t'was not the 'perfect parrot' by any means. There is no such thing. Haven't been on other boards in years, so I can't offer a link or name though.

 

[Casper223]

THere's a lady on one of the other parrot web boards who has a Cape Parrot. If I remember rightly , t'was not the 'perfect parrot' by any means. There is no such thing. Haven't been on other boards in years, so I can't offer a link or name though.

Wrench13, I'll definitely do more research with the Cape Parrot, but in what I'm reading so far, It seems to be a good fit so far. I would like the opportunity to read more about the Cape, although I do have a lot of time.

Although I'm still connecting the Robotic voice to digital media, either online or in-house. Seems like the connection is a pretty good likelihood.

 

[Inger]

Ok it’s not really any of my business, but what if your granddaughter doesn’t want a lifetime pet chosen for her at age 5?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Casper223]

Ok it’s not really any of my business, but what if your granddaughter doesn’t want a lifetime pet chosen for her at age 5?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hey Inger, Good Question, She's actually asking her mother for an African Grey, She's a country girl for sure, and lives in what I call God's Country. Her next door neighbors are a horse pasture on one side, that she feeds sugar cubes to every day, and the what she calls Gateway Cows on the other side pasture. In between, she has a flock of chickens she feeds and tends to with her mother daily, but attempts to sneak the baby chicks into the house with her, in telling her mom she wants a bird. I don't really have anything against grey's, but realize because of the publicity that the price of a grey is ridiculous. In my honest opinion, I don't see a Grey as any greater or lesser pet than another. Of course at 5 years old, she's also not ready for a parrot of any type, kind, or size, However I remember myself at age 8, I had a pair of parakeets, which is where my personal ownership began, I also remember they didn't live very long, more than a few years, and I remember well the heartbreak that came along from loosing them. My mother the whole while owned a Moluccan, and my parakeets received the same treatment as the Moluccan received, as she was there when I wasn't. My granddaughter is very well versed on the fact, If you get a dog, You take care of that dog! You don't give it away, you don't re-home, trade, sell or otherwise dispose of your pets. That was the way I was raised with pets, and the same way I raised my daughters. So she's familiar with Pets, becoming more familiar with tasks involved in owning pets, and their obligations.

I'm only in the process now of looking at good candidates, which would fit the bill of what she likes about the Grey. I was talking with a person yesterday who had owned a cockatiel that passed away at 32 years old. (Unheard of lifespan) After the cockatiel, she obtained a Cape Parrot as her personal companion. Every morning like clockwork she has an errand to run, which takes her about an hour and a half. The lady lives in an apartment. She was bragging on how well behaved her Cape was in her absence, and upon leaving every morning, she left the TV on for the Cape. What she didn't realize was the show that came on every morning in her absence was "The Crockodile Hunter" Which she said really made sense when her bird started speaking with an Australian Accent, and would Greet her coming home from her daily errand as "Good Day Mate" Lmbo.... The cape parrot seems to be the front runner right now, but may change again before she's ready, which may be another 3-5 years. I do like the fact that the Cape is a great bird to have for Apartment dwellers, are very affectionate without the neediness some other birds need. Can be a great talker, isn't extremely big, but usually grows to about 13". Are very well adjusted to families as a companion pet, which would make her bonding to a family, rather than just a single person, easier to be cared for in my Grand daughters absence, say like High Schoo, dating, college etc... Is very well suited to self entertainment. But as Wrench13 pointed out, there isn't such a thing as a perfect Parrot, I would just add, the Cape would fill her needs more than other breeds I've researched at this point. So Inger, I hope this answers your question, especially the idea that my Grand daughter also bonds with her pets, so a Pet with a long lifespan would fit her much better than a bird with a short lifespan, although I realize care and treatment being a great factor in lifespan, However with all things equal, I would pick something with a longer life span.

 

[Scott]

Parrot voices in my home:

Most prolific vocalizer is Gonzo, a BFA. Extensive humanoid vocabulary, sings, whistles.

My Greys have preferred environmental noises to speech. Electronic sounds, barking, clicking noises, etc.

None of my cockatoos have a great gift of oration, mostly 2 or 3 words per bird. Most favored is either their name or that of another. But they are great screamers lol!

Hand down best voice was my Ekkie, Sasquatch. Roughly a dozen words, indistinguishable from a little boy.

 

[Casper223]

Parrot voices in my home:

Most prolific vocalizer is Gonzo, a BFA. Extensive humanoid vocabulary, sings, whistles.

My Greys have preferred environmental noises to speech. Electronic sounds, barking, clicking noises, etc.

None of my cockatoos have a great gift of oration, mostly 2 or 3 words per bird. Most favored is either their name or that of another. But they are great screamers lol!

Hand down best voice was my Ekkie, Sasquatch. Roughly a dozen words, indistinguishable from a little boy.

of their vocabularies Scott, do any of them speak in a robotic style voice? Deep kinda mechanical style?

 

[john8terry]

I've heard many words spoken by many birds, and always find that enjoyable. One of the biggest questions I have though is this, I hear some Parrots mimic a woman voice, and some Mimic a man's voice, and obviously realize the connection, But I've heard others talk in an almost Robotic voice..... Does anyone care to elaborate how that happens please, I've tried different searches and keep drawing up a blank, but I'm curious. thank You.

I can only speak for myself and Consuela my QP. She has a rough, gravelly, but very clear voice. It's music to my ears.

Sent from my SM-J320V using Tapatalk

 

[GaleriaGila]

Such interesting stuff!

One of my favorite pastimes is identifying a parrot genus by voice alone. I suspect that the experts among us could proceed downwards through the binomial nomenclature from genus to species. I can only hope to identify amazons in general, macaws (almost always), conures (often... my Patagonian sounds much different from a small Green cheek), cockatiels, budgies...

 

[Scott]

Parrot voices in my home:

Most prolific vocalizer is Gonzo, a BFA. Extensive humanoid vocabulary, sings, whistles.

My Greys have preferred environmental noises to speech. Electronic sounds, barking, clicking noises, etc.

None of my cockatoos have a great gift of oration, mostly 2 or 3 words per bird. Most favored is either their name or that of another. But they are great screamers lol!

Hand down best voice was my Ekkie, Sasquatch. Roughly a dozen words, indistinguishable from a little boy.

of their vocabularies Scott, do any of them speak in a robotic style voice? Deep kinda mechanical style?

Gonzo the BFA is rather robotic, you'd not mistake it for a human voice. Sasquatch the Ekkie had human tonal qualities and inflection.

 

[Casper223]

Such interesting stuff!

One of my favorite pastimes is identifying a parrot genus by voice alone. I suspect that the experts among us could proceed downwards through the binomial nomenclature from genus to species. I can only hope to identify amazons in general, macaws (almost always), conures (often... my Patagonian sounds much different from a small Green cheek), cockatiels, budgies...

Parrot voices in my home:

Most prolific vocalizer is Gonzo, a BFA. Extensive humanoid vocabulary, sings, whistles.

My Greys have preferred environmental noises to speech. Electronic sounds, barking, clicking noises, etc.

None of my cockatoos have a great gift of oration, mostly 2 or 3 words per bird. Most favored is either their name or that of another. But they are great screamers lol!

Hand down best voice was my Ekkie, Sasquatch. Roughly a dozen words, indistinguishable from a little boy.

of their vocabularies Scott, do any of them speak in a robotic style voice? Deep kinda mechanical style?

Gonzo the BFA is rather robotic, you'd not mistake it for a human voice. Sasquatch the Ekkie had human tonal qualities and inflection.

Awesome, you both understand my question. I first heard this voice from a Myna bird years ago. It had it's fathers voice, and mimic'd it well, same with it's mothers voice, but then it had a voice that wasn't human, but rather mechanical, or Robotic. Right then I formed the question, "Where did that voice come from?" and GaleriaGila you brought up another even deeper question, if I understood you correctly, there's a possibility that that particular voice (Robotic/Mechanical) could have been inherited at breeding?? That's extremely interesting. The lady with the Cape really cracked me up saying she came home and her Cape greeted her with an Aussie Mimic saying "Good Day Mate" She couldn't figure out for the life of her what got into her Cape, until she realized she and the cape watched a game show, and after the game show as she walked out and left the TV on, The Crocodile Hunter came on. The cape she said used the Phrase in context as she walked through the door. Really awesome story.

 

[Aspie_Aviphile]

It's got to be anatomical, some species have more flexibility in the timbres they can create than others, just like different people's voices have different levels of flexibility. IRNs all have exactly the same voice, so I knew if Bo ever talked to expect him to sound like the classic 90s version of the Furby. To my delight he has turned out to be a total chatterbox and that voice is so cute I don't care that he can't imitate specific people. It would actually freak me out a bit to hear my own voice called out to me at night, haha.