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

Explore the specialized anatomy that allows parrots to talk, scream, curse, and recite facts like humans.
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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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Animator's website: antonbogaty.com
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[@thesexybatman263]

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]

Lol

[@gusc6785]

Great thought

[@SToXC_.]

true

[@nunyabiznes33]

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]

Because they only existed in South America and Africa?

[@luuchoo93]

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]

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

[@dN3Sh]

@@difficult1003 it's grammar

[@VomicaEmanio]

@@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]

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

[@Katie-B]

@@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

[@l.n.3372]

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]

Because he was either hungry or scared.

[@btmartacold1981]

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

[@martinsimeonov1563]

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

[@fandroid6491]

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

[@martinsimeonov1563]

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

[@lancerguy3667]

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]

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]

Thank you for the insight!

[@singularityraptor4022]

Bless your local breeder.

[@waternosuka]

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]

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

[@angrygoose23]

Whoever voiced the parrots was having a fabulous time.

[@shahislam5458]

Minions did

[@d.e.b.b5788]

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]

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

[@DD-kc6hg]

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]

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]

@@stephans1990 hahahaaa so intelligent.

[@SaneGuyFr]

my cockatiel make samsun massenger notification sound.

[@kanaka118446]

That's sad

[@existence.5806]

Aww

[@turkeybeard2010]

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.

[@aguyontheinternet8436]

lol, must have a bad-tempered owner

[@turkeybeard2010]

@@aguyontheinternet8436 their kids thought it was funny to teach him that.

[@rizzom5447]

@@turkeybeard2010 Their*

[@GalacticHero2068]

@@rizzom5447 🤓

[@rizzom5447]

@@GalacticHero2068 I don't understand what that means internet person

[@misc0615]

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]

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]

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]

I love them ... now I need a parrot

[@damedesuka77]

@@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 KZbin videos like this one or see them at pet fairs 😂

[@tridibmondal9148]

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]

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

[@loki2240]

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

[@kingdribs9286]

@@loki2240 no

[@brawmankerlexterminateurde860]

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

[@SA-ff9uc]

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

[@HauKike]

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]

Yes!!

[@d.e.b.b5788]

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]

Me too now..lol

[@cferracini]

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]

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.

[@Ragnarok2kx]

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]

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]

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

[@fandroid6491]

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

[@easamohammed9811]

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

[@raynemichelle2996]

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

[@Mfalme254_]

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.

[@waterfountainmountain747]

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]

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]

*their

[@RockandRollWoman]

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

[@mollymoo4944]

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.

[@JohnWickkkk]

Link?

[@anodominate]

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]

what language is that??

[@Shubham-jq2vs]

@@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]

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

[@AMRESHKUMAR-vp7wy]

@@Shubham-jq2vs nah, mithu is the nickname

[@black2falcon]

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

[@beadmecreative9485]

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]

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]

Damn this was understated

[@vuat9402]

Hahaha your comment made me smile:)

[@Meboy-uv5td]

ok but imagine getting doxxed by an mf parrot

[@Melnokina.-.]

​@@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

[@lacountess]

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]

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

[@Rachel-fi4sc]

"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]

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]

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]

@@d.e.b.b5788 lovely

[@book-obsessedweirdo8677]

@@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]

@@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]

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

[@terramater]

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.

[@GhostChild191]

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]

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

[@manavsaboo9610]

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

[@dante_0962]

3:41 I love that child’s reaction 😂

[@la_beatrice]

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.

[@KTChamberlain]

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]

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]

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]

This is very interesting, especially the last part

[@emperorofpluto]

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.

[@TDG361]

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

[@ElChicoBush]

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

[@Greenpenn]

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 ❤

[@ChristianPauchet]

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

[@sitiainaimn]

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

[@sun.fl0]

Seems the British parrot went on a world tour

[@TH__TranPhuongQuynh]

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

[@elbacar4838]

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 ❤️

[@BierBart12]

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.

[@Toast_Drawz]

"What color am I?" I felt that

[@Fummy007]

Grey. its in the name of his species.

[@kenbrown2808]

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.

[@myintaunglwin4411]

good thought

[@ElectricIguana]

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

[@sandygod]

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

[@amrin5190]

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

[@swflracing]

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

[@TrinhLe-kx4sz]

the parrots’ sounds in this video are adorably adorable 🥺

[@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.

[@cferracini]

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]

dog or a cat live rarely more that 12 years

[@aroyaki]

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

[@briantaylor9285]

Hilarious animation, love it. Parrots are amazing.

[@bachtruongjdm362]

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

[@emperorofpluto]

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.

[@missingnoo]

Great video as says, TED.

[@bigbirdbirdbird]

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

[@nzuckman]

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

[@Ami5Jo]

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.

[@coocoowong5045]

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

[@1111MeditationPortal]

This information was really great, thanks.

[@LukeAmaral]

3:11 "42 Wallaby Way, Sydney"

[@gauravsmatharu]

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

[@bjo004]

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

[@drfill9210]

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.

[@akumaking1]

Apparently parrots like music and singing as well.

[@d.e.b.b5788]

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.

[@johnacetable7201]

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

[@b3yondth3binding]

This was equally as entertaining as it was informational!

[@anikanawar7365]

Do you guys have any video on Munchausen syndrome? If not, please make one! I absolutely love your videos! Thank you so much.

[@claudiaeliss]

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]

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

[@Moonwalker1075]

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

[@arthurcampomanes2219]

The other day I had such thought I love your videos

[@bravimmari1592]

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

[@ChanwooPark-me1wc]

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!

[@BirbBoiYT]

I've gotta say, the animations and sounds were pretty charming ^-^

[@DaRios_Tristan]

Beautiful creature !

[@GaasubaMeskhenet]

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]

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

[@bluevozhak]

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]

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.

[@Cl4rendon]

Budgies are little parrots and they are also very vocal - We once had one who could imitate almost everything. From the cellphone ringing to the hissing of the water splash when the tap was on.

[@kuitaranheatmorus9932]

This is so good

[@osmanbertugc]

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]

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]

@@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!

[@thadsul]

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

[@AngieNTheComettes]

Such a beautiful and clever creatures ❤️

[@yumnaamjad2637]

Fascinating

[@--Paws--]

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

[@ShamWerks]

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]

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

[@Hevendemo]

The monk parakeet (quakers) call was the wrong one and was used for the smaller smaller budgie It gave me a chuckle

[@OwlNightMoon]

I love this humor animation

[@quakeknight9680]

Imagine if a crow had that ability

[@Fummy007]

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

[@NZ_BraveHeart_0120]

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]

They have great memory and are known to hold grudges.

[@d.e.b.b5788]

@@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]

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.

[@Letizia2810]

So cute and fascinating ❤️

[@jaebird3077]

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]

They learnt within a week ! Great

[@lemoneater6690]

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

[@aditisk99]

🤣

[@kakarikiIck]

Thanks for this knowledge!

[@David-iy1zt]

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.

[@alisherm3606]

Thanks Ted Ed now I love parrots

[@prostatecancergaming9531]

Wow

[@curiodyssey3867]

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

[@thesexybatman263]

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

[@billyandrew]

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?

[@mirishfaqhussain6168]

The whole presentation is cute.

[@HumbleFoxGaming]

lol i can imagine a parrot cursing away

[@aintnothinglikeme9604]

잘해구와~

[@JeremyWS]

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]

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.

[@vernelledouglas1801]

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

[@tristantewtokhang2126]

tbh i missed TED-Ed old riddles, they were good but still these videos are still good

[@viniciusbrian1315]

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]

Oh

[@chriss780]

polly wasn't no snitch, respect

[@billyandrew]

Polly weren't no stool pigeon. Word.

[@billyandrew]

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

[@KTChamberlain]

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.

[@Maddyfae29]

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