Category: Behavior

Webinar: Hormonal Pet Birds — A Personal Journey 

Join us March 13th as Dr. Stephanie Lamb shares heartfelt, real-world insights on navigating the ups and downs of hormonal behavior in pet parrots — from both an avian vet’s and bird owner’s perspective.

african grey athena with plastic cup

From Laughter To Lessons: Remembering Athena

In her heartfelt tribute, Dr. Irene Pepperberg remembers Athena, the extraordinary African grey whose brilliance (and cheeky nature!) leaves a lasting impact both inside and beyond her research lab.

african grey parrot reaches for blue colored object on tray with other colors

Replication In The Lab: Parrots Prove Their Smarts

Dr. Irene Pepperberg examines the challenges of replicating cognitive studies with parrots and reveals that Griffin isn’t the only African grey capable of outperforming young children on reasoning tasks.

African grey parrot sitting in cage

The Other AI: Avian Intelligence

Dr. Pepperberg’s latest blo challenges the derogatory use of “stochastic parrot” in AI discourse and defends the intelligence of real parrots as worthy of respect.

Webinar: 200th Webinar Celebration!

Join us August 8th to celebrate our 200th webinar! Dr. Lamb will help lead the virtual party, along with other special guests. Another reason to join us? Guests will have a chance of scoring one of many giveaways!

blue and white budgie perched indoors on a white bar

How Budgies Model Human Speech

In her latest blog, Dr. Pepperberg talks about a new study that reveals how the brains of budgerigars may hold clues to how we humans learn to speak.

African grey parrot

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Reading To Parrots

Inspired by her student who decided to see what happened when reading to parrots, Dr. Irene Pepperberg explores how reading might stimulate cognition and shares the surprising preferences of African greys Griffin and Athena.

conure perched on branch indoors

Pain In Parrots: What Parrot Parents Should Know

Parrots often hide signs of pain due to their natural instincts, making it crucial for owners to recognize subtle changes in behavior, posture, and routine to ensure their feathered companions stay healthy and pain-free.

flock of parrots flying in blue sky

How Birds Master Coordinated Flight

A fascinating study by researchers in NYU Applied Mathematics Laboratory sheds light on how birds master flock flight coordination through synchronized patterns to avoid collision.

African grey parrot, African grey, grey

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Being Sensitive To The World As Your Bird Sees It

In her latest blog, Dr. Irene Pepperberg shares a fascinating finding from her cognitive behavior research lab, where African grey parrot, Griffin, suddenly struggled with a once-mastered task. After months of testing and frustration, the team discovered the surprising culprit behind Griffin’s diminished performance. Dive into this lesson on the importance of considering our pets’ unique perspectives.

Webinar: A Look Back At The Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat Part 1

Lisa Bono gives us an exclusive look at the Phoenix Landing Wellness Retreat. Discover expert insights on bird nutrition, behavior, health, and enrichment to elevate your bird care skills and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Don’t miss out, sign up today and tune in April 26th!

Webinar: Ask The Vet With Dr. Tom Tully

Join our live interactive webinar on Friday, March 22, when Dr. Tom Tully answers questions from our virtual audience about their birds’ health and wellbeing. Even if you don’t have question, you can learn from others’, and Dr. Tully will share his extensive expertise to help bird owners provide the best care.

African grey parrot

The Story Of Dr. Pepperberg And Alex The African Grey Turned Into A Play!

In her latest blog, Dr. Irene Pepperberg reflects on the upcoming play “Beyond Words,” which dramatizes her remarkable 30-year research relationship with Alex, the infamous African grey parrot who took the world of animal behavior research by storm. Dr. Pepperberg shares how, despite collaborating on early drafts, witnessing such intimate bonds fictionalized before audiences holds surreal emotional weight. As actors emulate private breakthrough moments in her and Alex’s time working together, she talks about feelings of profound vulnerability, yet revels in Alex’s captivating global recognition through art’s lens.

African grey parrot; African grey, grey parrot

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Always Have A Back-Up Plan For Cold Weather!

In her latest blog, Dr. Irene Pepperberg speaks to the importance of having a plan, and possibly multiple backup plans, in place to protect our pet birds’ well-being during harsh weather and natural disasters. She cites challenges she and her African grey flock faced during a power outage and how that underscores the critical need to prepare. See how her parrots weathered a recent storm and what she and her colleagues in her cognitive behavior research lab are doing to stay proactive in planning for the unexpected.

two blue-and-gold macaws standing on same perch in fenced area

Inside Dr. Pepperberg’s Lab: Technology And Companion Animals

In her latest blog, Dr. Irene Pepperberg explores the delicate question: What technologies help animals thrive versus the benefits to us and our ability to control them? For example, from the animals’ perspective, do piped-in soundtracks at zoo habitats make the animals feel at home, or are they played to enhance the experience for zoo visitors? Should you leave the radio or TV on when you leave home so your bird doesn’t feel alone? Read on for Dr. Pepperberg’s overview of the tech effect on animals.

Jennifer Cuhna and cockatoo Ellie

Ellie The Cockatoo Reads And Writes

Can parrots learn to read and write? Ask Jennifer Cunha, and that answer is a “Yes.” Her 11-year-old Goffin’s cockatoo Ellie continues to astonish by demonstrating literacy equal to a young child. Ellie uses a touchpad and her beak as a “pencil” to communicate by drawing letters. Learn how Cuhna, a property lawyer by trade, became passionate about understanding parrot cognition, how it helped her bond with Ellie, and how it inspired her to launch her “Parrot Kindergarten” online course to help pet bird stewards strengthen their bond with their birds.

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