How do parrots say human words without lips?
In humans, changing the shape of your mouth helps shape sound into speech.
My friend’s African Grey parrot speaks so convincingly, she can order herself treats via the family’s smart assistant. No lips, no vocal cords, just sheer opportunism.
She does this by using her syrinx, a hollow, Y-shaped structure unique to birds, that sits between the base of the windpipe and the lungs. As the bird breathes, air passes through the syrinx, which vibrates and makes a noise. The form of this noise is acutely controlled by a series of muscles and soft bony rings on the outside of the syrinx. This enables parrots to sing, call and mimic words, such as ‘Pretty Polly’ and ‘Alexa, buy more millet’.
Read more:
- How long do parrots live?
- Do animals give each other names?
- Why do dogs tilt their head when you speak to them?
- Do animals have accents?
Asked by: Sarah Phelps, via email
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