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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[l.n.]

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!

[luuchoo]

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

[lancerguy]

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.

[angrygoose]

Whoever voiced the parrots was having a fabulous time.

[DD-kchg]

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.

[turkeybeard]

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.

[misc]

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 🦜

[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.

[easamohammed]

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

[tridibmondal]

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.

[Ragnarokkx]

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.

[Mfalme_]

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.

[stevengreen]

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

[raynemichelle]

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

[madsstrange]

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!

[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.

[maurapowers]

As someone who has lived and worked with parrots her whole life, this video is spot on! Love the attention given to the monk and Amazon parrots.

[manavsaboo]

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

[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.

[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.