What Kind of Birds Talk?

Birds are excellent mimics. Depending on the species, birds can learn to accurately mimic other bird songs, animal noises, machinery, camera equipment and human speech. Whether a bird learns the meanings behind the words is a subject of debate. When a bird is successful at mimicking human speech, it often does so in a voice similar to its owner. Some birds will never learn to talk, even if they are from a species known for talking.

  1. Most Successful

    • Parrots are reported to be the most successful talkers with the African gray parrot as the bird most able to learn to talk. Other parrot species that have learned to talk include the eclectus parrot, the quaker parrot and the largest members of the parrot family, the macaws. But the Guinness World Record holder for most words learned by a bird is held by a member of the smallest parrot family, parakeets (also called budgerigars). Puck knew 1,728 words, according to "Parakeet" (Julie Rach Mancini, 2005).

    Other Pet Birds

    • Some individuals in other pet bird species have successfully learned to talk. These include the mynah birds, cockatiels and cockatoos. Of the various mynah species, the hill mynah, is considered the best and most reliable talker. Of the cockatoo species, individuals in the Moluccan and the Goffin's have been known to learn some words.

    Wild Birds

    • Pet crows, ravens and magpies have been noted for their talent of mimicry, but they are not allowed to be kept as pets in many parts of North America and Europe. Other wild birds with mimicry talents include the lyrebird of Australia, the European starling, any member of the jay family, the mockingbird and the catbird.

    Considerations

    • Healthy, stress-free birds are far more likely to talk than sick or scared birds, which tend to remain silent as a protective mechanism. Older birds also are more likely to talk than younger birds. Younger birds tend to be quieter because they are learning sounds.

    Fun Fact

    • One African gray parrot, Alex (1976 -- 2007), owned by animal psychologist Dr. Irene Pepperberg, learned and seemed to understand the meanings of more than 100 words. He would talk to his other two parrot companions. He could identify objects by color, by name and how many objects there were up to the number 8. He also seemed to understand the concept of zero.