• Question from:Catherine

Why do parrots mimic people. I heard a story (on QI perhaps) that they do not mimic in the wild. Is this true? Why do some parrots talk and not others. The eclectus for example will talk for hours and learn a hundred plus words sometimes.

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  • The Science Museum, London.
  • Posts: 66

Hi Catherine,

People have been fascinated by parrots and their talking ability since ancient times... Ravens, crows, mynahs and starlings can mimic speech as well. As far as what makes some parrot species better talkers, I don't think that's known with any great certainty. The bigger species tend to to better at this task, but not all of them, and even the tiny budgie can be taught to talk as well.

African Grey parrots, one of the best talkers in captivity, have been observed to mimic in the wild as well:

http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/jour … p;SRETRY=0

Hope this helps!

Carlos.