Grace Smith-Viduarre and Tim Wright: Why can parrots talk?

Why can parrots talk?

Whether they're belting Beyoncé, head-banging to classic rock, or rattling off curse words at zoo-goers, parrots are constantly astounding us. They are among the only animals that produce human speech, and some parrots do it almost uncannily well. How is this possible? Grace Smith-Vidaurre and Tim Wright dig into the anatomy that allows parrots to talk, scream, curse, and recite facts. [Directed by Anton Bogaty, narrated by Jack Cutmore-Scott, music by Jarrett Farkas].

Parrots stand out as some of the only animals able to produce human speech, astonishingly even switching accents or languages, like the British parrot who returned home speaking Spanish. Their complex social lives and unique vocal anatomy allow them to mimic an impressive variety of sounds. Specialized brain circuits and flexible tongues give parrots the tools to imitate, communicate, and even use words appropriately. However, their allure has also put wild populations at risk, making their protection vital.