Is it worth buying a large parrot – a new study by ornithologists in the Canary Islands

Ornithologists at the Loro Parque Foundation on Tenerife, the largest Canary island, are studying three endangered macaws. They conduct behavioral tests in front of the 1,4 million visitors to Parrot Park each year. And the birds do not notice this. 

During the study, parrots make decisions, help or imitate relatives and solve complex mental problems. As a result, scientists came to an unexpected conclusion.

Parrots are on the same level of intelligence as monkeys.

The authors of the study are sure that due to their intellectual characteristics, it is extremely important to preserve the population of all species of these birds. Of the 387 species of parrots, 109 are already listed in the Red Book. That’s almost a third! That is, parrots as a detachment of birds are especially vulnerable. Ornithologists believe that keeping such birds in captivity is necessary to preserve the species. 

And yet not a large parrot is not for everyone. Many of the larger birds are unsuitable as pets. They are demanding and very noisy. They cannot stand when little attention is paid to them, they can pluck feathers or cry continuously loudly.

In addition, large parrots need not just a lot, but a lot of space. Ornithologists do not advise keeping large parrots in a cage or on a pole with a chain around the leg. In addition, you will have to maintain the correct temperature and humidity level. 

But some types of large parrots can live so long that you will pass the parrot to the inheritance. And the ingenuity of these birds is difficult to overestimate. What is the story of the African gray parrot Alex from Harvard, who not only memorized a whole vocabulary of more than 500 words, but also understood their meaning.

If you still doubt whether you should get a large parrot, check yourself by.