Does your parrot understand what it says, or is it just parroting?
About language, understanding, and how nutrition helps with real communication
Many people wonder: Does a parrot understand what it says? Or is it just a trick, a kind of meaningless repetition?
If your parrot says “hello” when you come home, it seems pretty smart. But does it know what
it's saying, or is it just repeating what it often hears?
In this blog, you will discover what is really known about language comprehension in parrots, why the famous research with Alex the African grey parrot is still relevant, how this also applies to other species such as Amazons, and how you can start training word recognition in a natural way today.
Language comprehension in parrots: what does science say?
What does science say?
One of the best-known researchers in this field is Dr. Irene Pepperberg.
She worked with Alex, a gray parrot, for decades.
Alex learned more than 100 words and could name colors, shapes, and numbers.
But even more impressive: he used those words in the right context.
For example, if he was given a blue key and wanted something else, he would say:
“Wanna go back.”
Or if he made a mistake and was corrected, he would sometimes respond with:
“I'm sorry.”
Not as a trick.
But as a response to a situation.
And no, he was not an exception because he was “different.” Alex was a normal gray-headed parrot with a lot of training, patience, and structure.
To this day, his story is still cited.
Not because there is nothing new, but because no one else has achieved this level of parrot language in a controlled setting.
He used those words consciously. For example:
“I'm sorry”
when he made a mistake “Wanna go back”
when he wanted to stop Or “green square”
when he pointed to a green square
To this day, Alex remains the epitome of understanding communication between humans and birds.
But I have an Amazon, not a gray parrot. Will this work with my bird?
Yes, absolutely.
In practice, many Amazon parrots are even more talkative (more or less clearly than African grey parrots or noble parrots). They are expressive, musical, often fond of rhythm and sound imitation. And more importantly, like African grey parrots, they can link words to situations.
However, they are studied less often than African grey parrots. That does not mean they cannot do it; on the contrary. Their talent lies in intonation, emotion, and using words at the right moment.
So, whether you have an Amazon, macaw, cockatoo, or African grey parrot, the way you interact with your bird determines whether its words have meaning.
How does a parrot learn to understand words?
Parrots learn through association. They link a sound (word) to an action, object, or moment.
A parrot does not understand sentences like humans do, but it can learn that apple means that tasty piece of fruit you cut up every morning.
And with repetition, rhythm, and reward, you can build those associations into an interaction.
So, does your parrot understand what it says?
Yes and no.
No, it does not understand language like a human does. It does not think in sentences, abstract concepts, or feelings such as “love” or “guilt.”
Yes, it can link words to things, actions, or moments, especially if they are repeated in recognizable situations.
Example: if you always say banana before giving it a piece and let it hear that word in the same tone of voice, it can learn that banana means something. Especially if you reinforce this with your tone of voice, gaze, and body language.
Your parrot learns associatively... just like young children do.
How to stimulate understanding in your parrot
Use natural rewards for word training
A walnut in its shell, a piece of banana, a dried papaya: smelling, feeling, crunching makes it ‘real’. This helps a parrot learn faster than with boring pellets.
- Say “almond” just before you give it to them, for example.
- Repeat “play” when you pick up their favorite toy.
- Say “sleep” before you cover the cage with a cloth in the evening or turn off the light and leave the room.
Use fixed words for fixed situations
Don't say “yummy” one time and “mmm” another time. Parrots like predictability.
Respond to what your parrot says
If you say “shower” while picking up the plant sprayer and you smile, acknowledge, and share the moment together, then the realization grows: this word works
.What does it achieve
Communication is not a trick. It is a form of trust.
Whether you have a gray-headed parrot that knows 50 words or a cheerful Amazon that loves to sing, your parrot learns from the way you interact with it.
With patience, natural rewards, fixed routines, and conscious attention, you can make talking something that truly connects you.
Want to start today? Choose three words, including one piece of fruit.
Start simple:
WaterBananaReady
Use them every day at set times, and give your parrot something that really counts: your voice, your time, and a nutritious treat.
Discover our natural reward mixes:
-No artificial additives
-Safe for all parrot species
-Ideal for training
Natural learning. Natural talking. Natural connection.
Love, Malenthe
