Birds birds Birds?

Question

I have this fascination with birds. I noticed that they talk to eachother and sometimes at the same time in groups. They must be able communicate on a level that is more profound then we humans assume. They must do more then simply eat seeds all day and poop on you when you walk under them on the street. My question is, do they all have roles that they play in their bird community?

Answer 1

When we go to our cabin in the woods I love to watch the birds at the feeders all day. Its like a little city and each one is somebody with special friends and duties and all the social activities. It really is amazing. I think they are VERY smart. When you add in the antics of the chipmunks and squirrels it really is a sight to behold.

Answer 2

Oh, definitely! In the wild some birds will take the roll of watchers that will call out an alarm if a predator is spotted. Others will watch for feeding spots and others baby sit chicks, though it depends on the species. I know more about parrots than some of the other species and I can say with certainty that parrots are among the smartest of known animals. Studies done with three African Grey's has proven that parrots can count, can invent words, know the meaning of 'zero' (something humans have only known for the past 1000 years .. at least mathematically) and they can tell the difference between numerous substances and colors. Alex speaks in context like a child does. When he wants to go back to his cage, he says 'Wanna to go back!'. He was taught what 'want' is. He doesn't just mimic what's been said. He calls almonds 'Cork Nuts', a term he created himself.

There's some suspicion that some birds are better mimickers than others in the bird world and those that mimic best not only get the best mates, but quite possibly communicate with the other bird species out there. I don't think humans are the only species that commune with wild animals :-D . As I speak one of my cockatiels is practicing his Green Cheek Conure call. I really wish I had a dictionary because I'm certain he could teach me a whole lot about language!

Pacific parrotlettes have been recorded naming each other by using chirps they only use with certain individuals. Many species of parrots actually have culture that is just recently being studied. Birds are complex critters which deserve the reknown interest in their behavior. Just because we have sky scrapers doesn't mean we're the smartest things out there **grins**.

Hope that helps!

Answer 3

yes! Check out Alex the African Grey. Birds are the world's garbage men. If they were not here....we would be over ran with bugs.