Indian Ringneck parrots are truly remarkable creatures. Their intelligence, affectionate nature, talking ability, and playful antics make them incredibly popular pets. These qualities can easily lead us to attribute human characteristics to them, a phenomenon known as anthropomorphism. This tendency, while natural, can sometimes cause misunderstandings in how we perceive and treat our avian companions.
Anthropomorphism is the attribution of human traits, emotions, or intentions to non-human entities. For example, you might interpret your Indian Ringneck’s head tilt as a sign of empathy or understanding, when in reality, the bird might simply be responding to your tone or the novelty of the sound. Breeders often use anthropomorphic descriptions to market baby Ringnecks, claiming they can talk just like children. While these statements might be partially true in showcasing the birds’ remarkable mimicry skills, they can be misleading.
Scientists, in their efforts to communicate their findings to the general public, often use simplified terms to describe the intelligence of parrots. These descriptions, though logical, are meant to convey the birds’ capabilities in a relatable way. They may say a parrot is as smart as a three- or five-year-old child, which helps people appreciate the bird’s intelligence but can also lead to unrealistic expectations.
It’s essential to recognize that these intelligent behaviors seen in studies are the result of extensive training and conditioning. Scientists spend countless hours working with these birds to understand their capabilities. Comparing the intelligence of a parrot to that of a child can be problematic because it overlooks the fundamental differences between bird and man. We must be grateful for the scientific community’s efforts to reveal the complexities of avian intelligence. Their research has elevated our understanding of birds from mere “bird brains” to highly sophisticated beings. Thanks to these studies, bird owners are becoming more aware of the demands of caring for such complex creatures, which are often comparable to those of primates.
However, statements like “your bird is as smart as a child” can mislead potential parrot owners. They may envision a cute, cuddly creature that behaves like a human toddler, only to be unprepared for the challenges of owning a mature parrot. This misunderstanding often leads to disappointment and frustration, resulting in the bird being rehomed repeatedly. It’s crucial to educate people about the true nature of these birds and to use careful language that accurately represents their needs and behaviors.
Cockatoos and African Greys are prime examples of parrots that often suffer due to anthropomorphic expectations. Cockatoos, known for their affectionate and playful nature, can develop severe behavioral problems in captivity. These birds require immense mental stimulation, social interaction, and physical activity. Without these, they can become depressed, anxious, and destructive. Their demanding nature often leads to them being one of the most surrendered parrots. Many owners, unprepared for the level of commitment required, find themselves unable to meet the cockatoo’s needs, resulting in a heartbreaking cycle of rehoming.
Imagine a cockatoo that has been labeled as being as smart as a young child. The owner might expect the bird to engage in constant interaction and to understand complex commands. However, when the bird’s natural behaviors, such as loud vocalizations, chewing, and requiring a significant amount of attention, come to the forefront, the owner’s expectations can lead to frustration. This frustration often manifests in the bird’s behavior, causing stress and leading to further behavioral issues.
African Greys, celebrated for their talking ability and intelligence, also face similar challenges. It is as if so many people looking to purchase such creatures are expecting the bird to exhibit full blown language like a human, thus perpetuating the bird to be humanlike. It’s even more captivating when scientists ask the African Grey a question and it answers correctly like a human in simplified language. The expectation that you are bringing a “child” into your home is false, and it is the worst starting point the parrot could have from the very beginning. These creatures have certain markers that need to be met for them to develop as an African Grey, not a child in your home. A study that looked at 103 African Greys who were hand fed, found that 52 of them started feather mutilation. We need to take an honest approach to parrot keeping, we need to ask hardline questions, and it starts with using the appropriate language.
As humans, we often try to explain our bird’s emotions in terms that are familiar to us. For example, you might think that your female Indian Ringneck is upset when you place her back in her cage. While this could be true, it’s also likely that she is simply protecting her territory. Birds have different emotional responses than humans, and we need to be cautious in making such assumptions. Each species has unique behaviors and needs that must be understood in their own context.
We also tend to deal with our birds emotionally, which is foreign to parrots in general. Could this be a culprit behind why so many birds feather pluck or develop self-mutilating behaviors? It’s possible. Parrots are highly sensitive to their environments and the behavior of their owners. When we project our emotions onto them, we might inadvertently create stress or confusion for our birds.
Change starts with using the correct language. Instead of saying, “Your parrot could be as smart as a five-year-old if you work with it,” we should say, “Your parrot is smart, and if worked with, it can achieve many wonderful things.” Similarly, instead of describing cockatoos as emotionally like a two-year-old child throwing tantrums, we should say, “Cockatoos are very complex creatures that need consistent engagement to be happy.” Language is key as it forms the very first subconscious understanding of what it means to own a parrot. If we want to change the industry and improve the lives of these birds, it starts with using the correct language.
The reality is that yes, parrots are brilliant and marvelously intelligent, and can make wonderful pets, but they are not humans. We need to use careful language to emphasize that a parrot is not a person and should not be treated as such. From the very beginning, working with a behavioral consultant and your avian vet is key as they have evidence-based practices that may have solutions to your problems. These birds are highly complex, and many end up being surrendered because they did not fit into the anthropomorphic mold of a five-year-old child.
Understanding and respecting the true nature of Indian Ringnecks, Cockatoos, African Greys, and other parrots will lead to better care and happier lives for these extraordinary birds. By avoiding anthropomorphism and recognizing their unique needs, we can ensure that our feathered friends thrive in our homes.
I hope I didn’t ruffle anyone’s feathers. I promise I’ll be back soon.
Best Wishes,
IMRAN-C
