Parrots are social creatures by nature. In captivity, where they typically don’t have a herd to interact with, this can present a real challenge when it comes to keeping them happy and healthy. However, recent research suggests that technology may be able to help them meet more of their social needs. A study led by researchers at the University of Glasgow and Northeastern University compared parrots’ reactions when given the opportunity to video chat with other birds via Metas Messenger to watching pre-recorded videos. And it seems they have a penchant for real-time conversations.
The research builds on findings from a series of smaller studies over the past few years, including one in which the team trained pet parrots to make video calls to each other (with human assistance) and another in which they were taught to play tablet games play. Finally, nine parrot owners received tablets to acclimate their pets and then observed them over a period of six months. During this time, the parrots, who initially got to know each other via video chat, were able to talk to each other on the phone for up to three hours in a total of 12 sessions. Half of these sessions were pre-recorded videos, while the other half were live messenger video chats.
Their carers, who recorded the sessions, reported that the birds seemed more engaged during the live interactions. In these scenarios, they initiated more calls and, on average, spent more time engaging with the birds on the other end.
In each session, the parrots were allowed to make up to two calls, and the researchers found that those chatting via Messenger reached that limit 46 percent of the time, compared to almost half the time when they watched pre-recorded videos. In total, they spent a total of 561 minutes video chatting on Messenger, compared to just 142 minutes watching the pre-recorded videos.
“The appearance of ‘aliveness’ actually seemed to make a difference in the parrots’ engagement with their screens,” said Dr. Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas, however, noted that further research is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn. “Their behavior when interacting with another live bird often reflected behavior they would exhibit in real life with other parrots, which was not the case in the previously recorded sessions.” Still, handlers largely reported that Both the live and pre-recorded calls appeared to have a positive impact on the birds.
“The Internet holds great potential to enable animals to interact with one another in new ways, but the systems we develop to help them do so must be tailored to their specific needs and physical and mental capabilities,” said Dr. Hirskyj-Douglas. “Studies like this could help lay the foundation for a truly animal-centered internet.”