Parroting the Parrot

Well, if that isn’t parrotoxical, and merely a question of semantics, I don’t what is! It is absolutely clear from the many stories that abound about parrots that far from being mere mimics who strut and preen upon their stage for mere minutes, they are highly intelligent, emotional, sensitive birds who are most definitely not averse to a joke or two.

I have made the acquaintance of only a couple of parrots, one at a luncheon party who was better company than the rest of the guests put together! And one I visited regularly at a Garden Centre Aviary who was kind enough to recognise me on the Sunday afternoons I came to visit.

But I have read and heard many parrot stories, some of which almost defy belief. There are numerous parrot videos and stories online, they are mentioned in so manybooks and studies about animals and anthropomorphism that one might even claim the authors themselves are parroting.

One of my favourite stories came from the father of a friend of mine who was visiting Badminton House in Gloucestershire, and being a cousin of the Duke’s let himself into the house on arrival and went to the Drawing Room to pour himself a drink.

Imagine his surprise when he heard his hostess, Mary Beaufort say rather loudly “Goodbye, thank you so much for coming!”.

Mystified he glanced around looking for the Duchess but seeing no-one continued pouring himself a drink. The voice repeated, “Goodbye, thank you so much for coming!”.

This time, still not seeing the owner of the voice, he deduced that despite the length of his drive, he might be unwelcome for lunch and rushed out to his car and drove home, some not inconsiderable distance.

When he reached home, he was greeted by his butler who wore a puzzled expression upon his face.

“Her Grace, the Duchess, called M’Lord. She asked in no uncertain terms where you are, as they are waiting to start luncheon.”

Somewhat bemused, the victim rang Badminton to apologise. He was roundly ticked off for not remembering the parrot who was a pet of the Duchess’ and liked nothing more than to imitate her voice, especially greetings on arrival and departure. My friend’s father was told to drive back as soon as possible as everyone was waiting and how stupid he was to listen to a parrot!

Clearly mimicry and mischief were at play here, but I once read of a heart rending story of an African Grey, a type of parrot known for their longevity and intelligence.

For many years this animal had been cared for by a Bird Sanctuary and was a particular favourite of the owners. Nearly 80, I think, the parrot was preparing for death and the owner stayed with him to keep him company for his final journey.

Suddenly, the near comatose bird opened his eyes and looked at his friend, and said, quite distinctly: “I love you.”

He closed his eyes and died, never, it appears, to be forgotten.

And he clearly from the stories I have read on the internet was not alone in his affection for his carers for there are many anecdotes similar to this, but none I have found so touching.

So the question is, do they parrot us, just mimicking us or do we, when we follow given wisdom about animals? When I was a child I was told that animals don’t have feelings, and I never, ever believed it. One sees evidence of empathy, social structure, logic and intelligence every day in the animal family with whom we are privileged to share our existence. Parrots are a fantastic example of the way we underestimate animals of all kinds.

We over at www.ellewhite.co.uk have a lovely parrot or two in prints and other goods. My favourite is the Macaw here below.