Get the latest tech news

Parrots in captivity seem to enjoy video-chatting with their friends on Messenger

A small study led by researchers at the University of Glasgow and Northeastern University compared parrots’ responses when given the option to video chat with other birds via Messenger versus watching pre-recorded videos.

The research builds on findings from a series of small studies over the last few years, including one in which the team trained pet parrots to make video calls to each other (with human assistance) and another where they were taught to play tablet games. In each session, the parrots were allowed to make up to two calls, and the researchers found that those chatting over Messenger hit this limit 46 percent of the time, compared to almost half that when they were watching pre-recorded videos. “The appearance of ‘liveness’ really did seem to make a difference to the parrots’ engagement with their screens,” , though noting that further study would be needed before definite conclusions can be drawn.

Get the Android app