Black Cockatoo Pictures: Study Reveals Power of Video Calls for Parrots

In a fascinating study, researchers at Northeastern University have discovered that teaching parrots to use video calls can improve their behavior and well-being in their owners' homes. The project aimed to investigate whether domesticated birds could be taught to communicate with each other using tablets and smartphones.

The study involved a group of parrots from various species, along with their volunteer caregivers, who were shown how to make video calls on Facebook Messenger. The results showed that the birds quickly adapted to this new form of communication, engaging in conversations for extended periods.

One notable participant was Ellie, a Goffin's cockatoo, who formed a strong bond with Cookie, an African grey parrot from California. The two birds would engage in vocalizations, demonstrating their ability to understand and respond to each other's calls.

The study's findings suggest that video calls can help domesticated birds approximate the natural communication patterns found in the wild. This has significant implications for parrot behavior and well-being, as it may reduce stress and improve social dynamics between the birds and their owners.

During a three-month observation period, researchers noticed that the birds initiated calls freely and seemed to understand that they were communicating with real fellow parrots on the other end of the call. Caregivers reported overwhelmingly positive experiences for their parrots, noting that they learned new skills such as foraging, vocalizations, and even flying.

The study's lead researcher, Rébecca Kleinberger, an assistant professor at Northeastern University, believes that this innovative approach has the potential to improve the lives of domesticated birds. 'Some strong social dynamics started appearing,' she says. 'The answer was a resounding yes.'

Overall, this groundbreaking study demonstrates the power of video calls in enhancing parrot behavior and well-being. As technology continues to evolve, it's exciting to consider the possibilities for improving animal welfare and strengthening human-animal bonds.

Photos: Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University

Black cockatoo pictures