When Pericos Video-Call Their Friends
Have you ever wondered if your pet would call their friends when they’re lonely?
Turns out, researchers recently gave parrots the chance to video-call each other, and the results are surprising and adorable.
The study, led by scientists from Northeastern University, MIT, and the University of Glasgow, was published in 2023
Starting with a simple question: parrots are flock animals, wired for social life, but now many live alone in people’s homes; Could video-calling fill that gap?
They found that they absolutely loved it
How the Study Worked
According to the Smithsonian write-up:
“Over the course of three months, 18 pet parrots were given the chance to call each other using a tablet. Owners taught the birds to ring a bell and touch a photo of another bird to initiate a call.”
- Smithsonian Magazine
At first, the calls were short and supervised, and as the birds learned, they began to initiate longer conversations
Some of them connected dozens of times over the period.
“The birds who made the most calls were also the ones who received the most calls back, suggesting that the relationships they formed were reciprocal.”
- Smithsonian Magazine
That’s an adorable patter of social bonding.
Parrots didn’t just stare at each other through the screen, they were engaged in different ways:
Showing off toys
Preening and “fluffing” as if to say hello
Sharing vocalizations, chatting
Even sharing new skills by watching their friends and learning
An owner noted their parrot became more confident after video-chatting regularly with others
Another said their bird seemed happier in their daily life.
From Pericos to People
In Colombia and across Latin America the spanish word for parrots is pericos,
They're beautiful, colorful birds, ever present, symbols of our rich biodiversity
Shiny guacamayas of the Amazon, green parakeets in Bogotá, loros paisas
Being social creatures, that can create bonds across diverse ecosystems seems to be a thing in nature
Just as those birds, us humans, when we don’t have a flock, we feel the absence deeply, resulting in a loneliness epidemic as some say
We seek connections through therapy, tarot, or a casual chat with a healer;
Often we know the answers, not needing information but honest connection
Reading this study we had the following reflections
Connection Feels Better With Choice
The parrots had to ring a bell and choose a friend to call
It wasn’t automated, it was their decision, the researchers believe that agency made the connection real
As for us, is generally believed that a connection with a person we chose is preferred over having a bureaucratic appointment with a total stranger.
Virtual Presence Counts
Voices and sounds are powerful, but seeing a face, even over video brings the connection to life
Parrots in the study, as well as us, respond differently when being seen
Knowledge is a social process
Some participants picked up new sounds and behaviors from each other
Humans, too, learn best in community; sharing space, ideas, and stories shapes who we are.
Los Pericos, a reggae band from Argentina sings on their song Waiting
"I am waiting for your love"
- Los Pericos, [ Youtube ]
Learn More?
Check out the full article here: [ Smithsonian Mag ]
Video report by Conservation Mag: [ Youtube ]