Do Parrots Really Use Names? Scientists Say the Answer May Surprise You

A study of 889 captive parrots suggests some birds use vocal labels like names to identify specific people or animals.

Researchers found these calls can be flexible, sometimes referring to self, absent individuals, or others in the group.

The findings point to more advanced social communication and vocal learning in parrots than previously recognized.

The work, published in PLOS ONE, comes from the ManyParrots project and researchers including Lauryn Benedict and Christine Dahlin.