I've got a bird behavior question.?

Question

I've had my pet cockatiel, Alvin, since I was four (almost 21 years) and he always imitates what I do (when I bob my head, he bobs his head and "dances" on his perch, when I say "pretty bird," he repeats it, etc.).

I'm curious. Why do birds do this imitative behavior? Are they trying to communicate with us? Do they want attention? I have this habit of tapping on something (i.e. a wall, the stair rail in our house) and he'll tap his perch with his beak in response.

Answer 1

I have been unable to find a definite explanation for this. But, I believe that birds (parrots specifically) imitate sounds because of certain insticts they are born with. It is believed that by imitating calls of different birds in the wild, a bird may be able to increase his territory size, because birds sing to defend territories. Therefore, a bird who can imitate another bird can say, "This is my turf," to another species. Also, scientists believe that a large song repertoire enhances the chance of finding a mate. So, the main reason may be because of instict. But, it may be that your cockatiel just wants attention. I find that my cockatiel is friendlier and less apt to bite when you whistle and talk to him. No one will ever know, but this is the closest of an explanation as I can find for you. I hope this helps. I personally would like a definite answer to this too! :)

Answer 2

There's several reasons birds do this. Firstly, this copying behavior is a social interaction. Birds will do things to communicate to their 'slaves', especially parrots. It's how they learn to live in the wild, by imitating what their neighbors are doing. Secondly, it's FUN! Parrots are very intelligent critters and they'll do things because it gets a response out of you, much like a dog owner barks at their dog or giggles with a baby learning to smile. It's likely Alvin does what he does because he sees you as a mate and because he sees you as a mate AND flock mate, he'll do what you to solicit a birdy conversation. like humans, birds will use body language and voice to communicate with others, including other species. In some species this would also be a form of territory defending. I don't believe it's that way with all birds. Sometimes this imitating is a form of birdy foreplay. Male cockatiels will bang their beaks to solicit sex from a mate. It's quite cute to watch :) .

Whatever the reasons for his imitations it's obvious that Alvin likes you a lot. Congratulations on having such a devout tiel for so long! Woot!

Answer 3

My cockatiel does the same things! He even imitates laughter and any kind of beeping noises, such as from phones or pagers. I have no idea why, but I love it and am glad he does it because it makes me feel like he's happy and wants to be involved in whatever's going on.

Answer 4

i have a cockatoo she does a little talking, a lot of messing, basically cockatoos and cockatiels are flock birds, they respond for many of the same reasons dogs do, and cats don't.

it isnt always imitative, i don't think, flock birds will often display to a mirror, talk to a recording of other birds, react suddenly to images.

Answer 5

I wish my birds were like that.That's so cute.

Answer 6

idk