It’s not just parrots that can talk, says Stuart Blackman, other bird species can copy the human voice too
There are few things as gloriously entertaining as the effing and blinding of a potty-mouthed parrot. You can’t beat a well-timed expletive uttered by an animal that doesn’t know what it means.
What birds can talk?
It’s not just parrots that can talk. Starlings, mynahs, Australian magpies, lyrebirds, bowerbirds and corvids can all mimic human speech. Even a captive Australian musk duck hit the news in 2021 when it was recorded saying “You bloody fool”.
Birds vocalise for many reasons – to advertise their quality to potential mates and rivals, keep in touch, recognise one another or warn of impending danger. Like much complex behaviour, these vocalisations are part genetic, part learned. Some birds copy their parents or flock members.
Others stitch together a variety of sounds from diverse sources. European starlings, for example, incorporate elements pilfered from other species into their repertoire, as well as phone ringtones, car alarms and human speech.
Species kept as pets, such as parrots and mynahs, are exposed to humans more than wild birds, so it’s no surprise they tend to be the most accomplished talkers.
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