Parrots are among the most intelligent birds, and their mimicry skills are exceptional. There are a vast array of parrot species, including extinct ones, comprising 2 families, 91 genera, and 382 species, making it one of the largest families in the class Aves. "Parrot mimicry" refers to the ability of some birds to imitate human speech. Because parrots are the most well-known examples of this type of bird, the term "parrot mimicry" has become a general term. The extent to which mimicking birds can master words varies. Some, like crows, are very intelligent but only know a few words; while African Grey Parrots can mimic approximately 2000 words. Today, we've compiled a list of the ten most intelligent parrots, including the Amazon parrot, African Grey parrot, Eclectus parrot, Scarlet-breasted parrot, Kea, Monk parrot, and Macaw. Let's learn more about them!
1. Amazon parrot (the parrot with the best ability to mimic human speech)
Amazon parrots are undoubtedly among the most intelligent parrot species, consistently ranking first on various lists of the most talkative parrots. Among the Amazon parrot varieties, the Yellow-crowned Amazon, Yellow-collared Amazon, and Blue-crowned Amazon possess exceptional language abilities. Due to their high intelligence and eloquence, Amazon parrots have been beloved pets for centuries. Some Amazon parrots can even mimic human speech, making their voices indistinguishable from real human voices. The Honduran Yellow-necked Amazon, in particular, is renowned for its remarkable talking ability and is considered one of the most adept at mimicking human speech among parrots.
2. African Grey Parrot (the parrot with the largest vocabulary)
In rankings of the smartest parrots, the African Grey Parrot often ranks alongside the Amazon Parrot, being one of the few known animals capable of truly conversing with humans. This species possesses powerful verbal abilities, learning capacity, and high intelligence, excelling at mimicking human language and mastering a vast vocabulary. They not only learn to speak but also understand the meaning of the words they learn. Even more interestingly, they exhibit a sense of humor, often cracking jokes and playing pranks. Besides mimicking human language, this parrot can also imitate the sounds of other birds and mammals in the wild, demonstrating its diverse mimicry abilities.
Male bird (left) and female bird (right)
3. Eclectic Parrot (the parrot with the greatest sexual dimorphism)
Which parrot is the best talker? In rankings of talking parrot species, the Eclectus Parrot is often listed third, after the Amazon Parrot and the African Grey Parrot. Native to New Guinea, this parrot has a bright green body, while the females have red and purple plumage. Like many other parrot species, the Eclectus Parrot can be trained to make excellent companions. It is known for its clear voice and ability to even learn entire songs. This bird is social and interactive, and can form strong bonds with its owner.
4. Red-breasted Parakeet (a Class II protected animal in China)
The Great Red-breasted Parakeet is also considered one of the ten most intelligent parrot species. The optimal period for learning to speak in a Great Red-breasted Parakeet is around three months after hatching, during its beak-changing stage, until the beak turns completely red. During this period, the intelligent parrot will blink its pupils frequently, sometimes appearing to have completely white eyes, with the pupils constricted very small – this is the best time for it to learn to speak. One method is to teach it every morning during feeding time, saying simple words while feeding. Repeat the same sentences daily until the parrot learns them, then gradually add a second, third, and so on, gradually increasing the complexity. Teaching is even easier if there are other adult birds that have already learned to speak nearby to guide the learning process.
5. Monk Parrot (the king of small to medium-sized parrots)
Among the many parrot species, the Monk Parakeet is known for its relatively high intelligence. This breed is famous for its ability to build a large vocabulary and phrases. It not only possesses strong language skills but also considerable intelligence, easily remembering words and sentences taught to it by its owner, and excelling at imitating different sounds. Most Monk Parakeets perform exceptionally well in terms of vocabulary, even able to string together multiple phrases to express their thoughts, while also exhibiting the ability to mimic other sounds in the room and sing.
6. Kea (a species endemic to New Zealand)
Although kea cannot speak, they are widely recognized as one of the most intelligent parrot species in the world. Kea are opportunistic, omnivorous birds. They often pry up lichen, catch insects, dig up roots, and even burrow into the snow to forage for plant-based foods such as beech buds, alpine shrub roots and berries, and nectar. They also frequently forage for insect larvae under rocks and snow, and occasionally ambush small animals with agile and swift movements, much like birds of prey. Surprisingly, kea will also scavenge for carcasses, sometimes even searching for food in human garbage. Even more remarkably, they frequently attack flocks of sheep, earning them the nickname "sheep killer."
7. Macaw (one of the most beautiful parrots)
Macaws are considered among the most intelligent of all birds, possessing endearing personalities and making them good companions to humans. These highly intelligent parrots can produce loud calls that echo through the forest canopy, serving as a means of communication within their flocks, marking territory, and recognizing one another. Furthermore, some macaw species can even mimic human speech.
8. Sun Conure (a Class II protected animal in China)
The Sun Conure is a small to medium-sized parrot native to South America. Unlike some parrots that are only affectionate towards one person, they are beloved for their striking appearance, moderate size, friendly temperament, and excellent pet qualities. Although they are not good at talking, they are gentle and lovable, can understand their owner's commands, and can even perform shows and engage in interactive games with their owners, making them very suitable for keeping in a variety of family environments.
9. Lovebird (the smallest parrot species)
While lovebirds possess virtually no talent for mimicking speech or whistling, they are among the most intelligent parrot species. These parrots are incredibly agile and quick-witted, lively and active, and highly alert, exhibiting a typical tendency to bully the weak and fear the strong. They will attack each other, but are rather timid around their owners. Generally, parrots with facial features are considered more intelligent. Lovebirds typically do not attack people unprovoked, but females may become unusually aggressive after the breeding season, displaying strong aggressive behavior in their cages. They may also become less interactive and produce more waste, requiring extra attention to hygiene.
10. Sulphur-crested cockatoo (with a yellow crest on its head)
Of all the parrot species, I have a particular fondness for cockatoos, especially the sulphur-crested cockatoo, renowned for its magnificent plumage. This parrot is famous for its excellent social skills, adorable appearance, and intelligence. They can not only mimic various sounds but also resist the temptation of food in front of them, in exchange for a more substantial reward. Sulphur-crested cockatoos are adept at communicating with humans and have a wide social circle. However, like other cockatoos, they require their owners to spend a significant amount of time with them as pets.
This ranking list is based on a comprehensive assessment of the parrots' intelligence, speaking ability, and interaction skills. If you have any different opinions or suggestions, please feel free to comment or correct them.
