Re: How much intelligence do parrots really have?

In order to characterize intelligence in any species of animal it is useful to 
first define intelligence.  Traditionally, an animals ability to communicate with 
others animals both within and outside of its own species is considered a 
hallmark of intelligence.  

There are many different species of parrots, and probably due to their uncanny 
ability to mimic our voices by repeating endless strings of "Polly want a 
cracker!" much research has been done to investigate just how much parrots really 
understand.  

It is my understanding that the larger parrot species tend to be more 
intelligent.  Of these, the African Grey parrot is regarded to be the most 
intelligent of the parrot species.  A researcher named Irene Pepperberg, taught 
her African Grey to recognize by sight over 35 objects.  But what is so amazing 
about this is that Alex can actually categorize new objects.  For instance, when 
he is shown objects like two apples versus an apple and an orange, he can 
communicate to researchers whether the objects are the same or different.  He is 
capable of distinguishing shapes, colors, various shades of the same color, and 
responds to commands to perform certain tasks. The researchers showed that once 
Alex was taught a new word or task, that he was capable of using this information 
in a new way by applying it to a situation where he was not taught the correct 
response or action.   This is the underlying significance of communication and 
hence intelligence.  This is pretty cool!

Alex, and parrots trained to have a large vocabulary, have the ability to convey 
meaningful information to people. A lot of findings suggest that parrots are 
among the more intelligent animal species; right up there with dolphins. 
Understanding the extent of parrot intelligence requires that people find a way 
to bridge the communication gap.  Either we learn to speak parrot or, like we are 
doing, we teach parrots to speak our language.  Just like a child, the larger 
vocabulary a parrot has the better able he or she is to communicate with us. 

If you want to read more about Alex here is the web site
http://www.mecca.org/~rporter/PARROTS/grey_al.html