Scientists Taught Pet Parrots to Video Call Each Other—and the Birds Loved It

As reported by Smithsonian Magazine, scientists have recently conducted a study in which they taught pet parrots to conduct video calls with each other. The results were surprising: the birds actually preferred video chatting over face-to-face interaction.

The study was conducted in France, where researchers taught eight African grey parrots how to initiate video calls with each other using a specialized touch screen button. Once the birds learned how to use this feature, they consistently chose to communicate with their parrot friends via video call instead of socializing in person. Part of the reason for this preference may be that video calls allowed the birds to engage with companions who were located in distant cages. It may have also been due to the more enriched sensory experience offered by the video calls, which included the ability to see and hear their friends up close without actual face-to-face interaction.

While it may seem like a funny experiment, there are actually practical benefits to teaching parrots how to use mobile technology. For one thing, it could provide a way for pet parrots to socialize more often and meaningfully, even if they are not co-located. Moreover, the study provides interesting insights into the cognitive abilities of birds and the potential for using technology to enhance their well-being.

This study highlights the complex social structures and communication styles among non-human animals, underscoring the importance of considering ethical treatment and care for all creatures great and small.