Parrots have such a strange and wonderful ability to pick up on the voices and sounds around them, imitating what they hear to perfection. Sometimes they’re so accurate that it’s uncanny and borderline freaky because it sounds so human-like! And when they take on the sounds of other animals, it’s next level. What a wonderful and wacky talent to have.
When Jake Hamilton, a news reporter, stopped by the wildlife center for a quick interview with two yellow-headed Amazon parrots, the inquisitive reporter didn’t expect the interview to take such a turn! Instead of answering the reporter’s questions, and engaging in conversation, this pair of songbirds had another idea in store. They sure do know how to entertain everyone, and they aren’t afraid of cameras, that’s for sure!
The reporter got a lovely surprise when he was greeted by the two parrots and their handler. The video opens to the birds perched on their stands, their backs facing each other. The handler has a microphone out, ready to fire off a few questions and see if they answer back. No such luck. The birds are in their own little world. “What’s your name?” the voice asks. Cue a cacophony of sounds! The bird to the left tilts its head and says, “Hello….?” while the other bird coos and purrs.
You can hear the faint beginning of “La Cucaracha,” and then, all of a sudden, both feathered animals break into song! They are singing a duet and harmonizing with each other! The left bird hits a high note, while the right bird sings a few “La, La, La, La, La, Laaaaaaas” for good measure. They’ve shifted, so now they’re facing each other and singing, and even rolling their r’s in “Cucarrrrrracha.” It’s so funny!
As if the first song wasn’t fun enough, the handler rewards them with treats and prompts them to start the next song. She says, “Can we sing about the farm?” and the birds dive right in. Next thing you know, they are singing away, “Old McDonald had a farm.” There’s even a few “ei-ei-ohs’s,” and animal sounds! Seriously, talk about strange and hilarious—the parrots start to quack! It is an important part of the song after all.
Click the video below to watch these guys put on an epic performance that deserves a serious round of applause. I think this is better than an old interview anyway!
