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I don't think they truely understand what they are saying...I think they just learn association....when they do this...they get this....They know they are mimicing us and other sounds...and some birds will respond to questions with learned answers or do tricks on command...but most birds pick up words and just toss them around at random.
A vet I used to know adopted a Minah from a Delta Pilot. He kept him in his office....If you said certain things, his responses were really funny. "Charlie can you talk?"...his response is "can you fly?"...if you answer...he laughs and says "I can...I fly Delta vrrrrrrrrrrrroooooooooooooom"
Many years ago a petshop I used to frequent had a store pet Blue and Gold Macaw named Leo. He learned a lot of commands and responses that were not just random or repeating.... like "Leo...be a chicken" "bok bok bok" "Be a rooster" ...he would crow like a rooster..."Leo be an eagle"....he would spread his wings out and turn his head sidways...he could also rollerskate and ride a bike over a tightwire...he was a guest once on the tonight show back in the carson days. neat bird....
but I think in order to call it communicating...the first basic thing would need to be some sort of alternating answer like maybe a "yes or no" type answer...to prove any real thought process/communication....otherwise it's just a learned...if I do this, he will give me a treat kinda thing. Keep in mind...they don't really need to communicate the fact that they want a treat...they ALWAYS want a treat and we exploit this.
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