Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
User submission
8.4K
193.3K
Tumblr Users Share Hilariously Unbelievable Encounters That Prove Parrots Have Sense Of Humor
Pet owners have all laughed at their pets at one point or another, but who has had their pet intentionally make them laugh? Well, one Tumblr thread, along with a 30-year-long research study, shows that there is one species that may be capable of demonstrating a sense of humor.
It was the late 1970’s when Dr. Irene Pepperberg began her study of African Grey Parrots. Her goal was to see if these birds, said to be the best of all their species at mimicry, were displaying an emotional intelligence past repeating learned phrases. The birds were proven to have the ability to develop and learn to a five-year-old human’s intellectual level. Through extensive work with her test subject ‘Alex’, she found he could not only mimic words but actively participate in conversations with his handlers. Alex’s abilities even developed to a point where he could understand how to emote language, using phrases such as “I’m sorry!” and “Calm down!” In Pepperberg’s 2008 memoir “Alex & Me” she talks about how the parrot displayed a sense of humor and would play pranks.
With a learning potential of up to about 2,000 words, the African Grey is definitely a one-of-a-kind bird. Alex was not unique in his capacity for humor, in the thread below you will see multiple stories of humorous encounters people have had with these notorious pranksters. (Cover image: Tracey R)
RELATED:
We all know that parrots have the ability to mimic words and sounds, but they are actually way more intelligent than you might think
Here are a few stories that prove they are not only capable of repeating words but know just how to use them too
193Kviews
Share on Facebook
What do you think ?
Magpie 6 years ago
Keeping parrots is not for amateurs. You need skills and knowledge: Check out >>A message from our executive director<< http://chloesanctuary.org/ Otherwise you might be committing cruelty without even knowing it.
Aunt Messy 6 years ago
People should pay attention, and whoever downvoted you needs a smack on the head with a dead salmon. ALL birds are relatively fragile pets, but parrots are particularly demanding. I've known people who had them, and they're a terrific amount of work.
Load More Replies...
Lucida 6 years ago
African greys are extremly talented in mimicking sounds, words and voices. A friend of mine had an African grey and I couldn't tell the differnes between my friends voice and the bird. Many times I thought I was talking to my friend from another room but it was acctually the bird talking.
Sally Appleton 6 years ago
My aunt had a devil bird that used to call the dog by it's name. The dog would get so excited for friendship she'd jump up against the cage. Then a human would come in to yell at the dog and the bird would join in.
Magpie 6 years ago
Keeping parrots is not for amateurs. You need skills and knowledge: Check out >>A message from our executive director<< http://chloesanctuary.org/ Otherwise you might be committing cruelty without even knowing it.
Aunt Messy 6 years ago
People should pay attention, and whoever downvoted you needs a smack on the head with a dead salmon. ALL birds are relatively fragile pets, but parrots are particularly demanding. I've known people who had them, and they're a terrific amount of work.
Load More Replies... Lucida 6 years ago
African greys are extremly talented in mimicking sounds, words and voices. A friend of mine had an African grey and I couldn't tell the differnes between my friends voice and the bird. Many times I thought I was talking to my friend from another room but it was acctually the bird talking.
Sally Appleton 6 years ago
My aunt had a devil bird that used to call the dog by it's name. The dog would get so excited for friendship she'd jump up against the cage. Then a human would come in to yell at the dog and the bird would join in.
You May Like 50 Parrots That Prove There Is Never A Dull Moment When Owning Them As A Pet 50 Wholesome Animal Memes That Might Just Turn Your Day Around
Viltė Domkutė
Viktorija Ošikaitė
Related on Bored Panda
541
80