When I was a child we had an Amazon parrot and when we would play certain songs, he would dance. He would tilt his head to the left, then shuffle to the left, then tilt his head to right, shuffle to the right and repeat the whole thing over and over. He also would stop and bob his head up and down.
Anyway, I was wondering if any studies have ever been done on this. Was he really 'dancing'? Meaning, was he really expressing his enjoyment of the music? If so, this must be a testament of their intelligence.
2006-10-25 16:16:55 · 13 answers · asked by PrimeTime 2 in Pets ➔ Birds
Parrots can and do respond to music. And they do it in different ways.
For example, one of my Greys will whistle up a storm in the car if I have music on.
I have seen countless videotape of birds dancing, jumping up and down or bobbing and weaving to music. Sometimes they do it on their own, and sometimes they do it though "Observational Learning"-watching people or other birds do it.
I have a bird acquaintance who I call "Shaking Sammy". Sammy is a female Caique who, when asked will stand on a flat surface, lift her leg and tap her foot repeatedly; especially if you do it with her while clapping your hands. It is hilarious to watch and I have never seen this particular behavior in any other parrot. Sammy's owner has been offered thousands of dollars for her, but no dice. He won't sell her and to be honest I can't blame him.
So far I haven't seen any particular formal studies on dancing unless you count the "Moonwalking Bird": Link is here:
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=2313437742679492340
There are tons of other behavior similar to "dancing" , but I wouldn't refer to the behavior as "dancing" in the traditional sense. Many mating behaviors look like it, however.
2006-10-26 01:41:23 · answer #1 · answered by Phoenix 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From what I've seen, parrots really do 'dance', though I don't think any serious research has been put into the phenomenon. I believe they really do bob to sounds and songs they enjoy, though most cases I've heard the birds have been the larger parrots, conures and the rare cockatiel. More should be written on this! In my local parrot club we have a green wing Macaw who bounces and weaves his head from one side to another. His owner thinks its because its a nervous habit as he only does it when he's in a crowd and not always when music is on.
I've heard my birds chirp to beat so I know they understand music and enjoy it. My cockatiels love Salsa, LMAO! They also start twittering more often when 'Rock'n Robin' is played. I downloaded it especially for them and they've not disappointed me with their enthusiasm when the whistling begins. They also seem to like classical but when my techno/rave/dance stuff come up in iTunes, they all start bouncing and they try to chirp to the beat. I wonder if they've taught a parrot how to compose music yet? LOL!
Birds are much smarter than people give them credit for. I have green cheek conures and my female will regularly initiate head bobbing games with me. She's a hoot!
2006-10-26 01:22:20 · answer #2 · answered by white_ravens_white_crows 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a parakeet that did the exact same thing, she would only dance and sing to the song "unforgiven ll" by Metallica. Certain songs will make your parrot "dance" because of the tune. The different sounds in the songs may be recognized by the bird such as sounds that sound like other birds. Those different sounds will make your bird try to "strut his stuff" in an attempt to sudduce the other bird or atleast get their attention.
It could also be that he just likes the sounds in general. Because of how they are built anatomically, you can't expect them to be able to do much more than scooting and bobbing. I wouldn't put it past a parrot to accually enjoy the music. Like I said my parakeet would only dance to one song and it seemed like shee was even more happy when that song came on.
2006-10-25 23:32:37 · answer #3 · answered by Elizabeth P 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe it is dancing- I mean they always do it when there is music- My Parrot dances with Music and also whn i ask him to dance!
I also believe they have a basic understanding of what they are saying- They know when to say things- parrots have the mind of a 3-5 year old! they are very smart
2006-10-26 09:09:37 · answer #4 · answered by mclaren d 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I seriously think they enjoy the music. My parents had an Amazon parrot too that would only dance to 1950's rock and roll. Maybe they're able to feel the vibrations in their body and it makes them feel good. It might be just the species because they also had Lovebirds that were useless. He was also able to recognize my parents from strangers, he would do a unique chirp when ever he'd see them.
2006-10-25 23:25:24 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, parrots actually dance. I have a green wing macaw who loves to dance all the time. And we have a cockatoo, who does her "happy dance". Which means when shes happy, or surprised, she'll hop around, run all over the place, stomp her foot, and scream. And we have a senegal parrot. He doesn't dance though. He just loves to talk and whistle.
2006-10-27 00:38:38 · answer #6 · answered by ☼♥Angel♥☼ 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
absolutely birds can dance! I think its more prevalent in parrots, and birds that have their wings clipped. Its great exercise, and all you have to do is watch them when you put on a samba, or anything with a latin beat to see that they've got rythym! As for intelligence, many parrots have the IQ of a 5yr old child.
2006-10-26 05:08:23 · answer #7 · answered by TLD 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I had a parrot for over two years and I've never seen it dance.
2006-10-25 23:19:26 · answer #8 · answered by Lady 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if u really call that a dancing
2006-10-25 23:24:15 · answer #9 · answered by ShaLahLah 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely! Baby my macaw dances and say; " rockin' rock and roll.
you can hear her at http://webpages.charter.net/rjsworld/pages/fam.htm
2006-10-25 23:36:41 · answer #10 · answered by WingMan 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋