Yellow-Naped Amazon Parrots Exhibit Complex Communication
Recent research has uncovered that the yellow-naped amazon parrots (Amazona auropalliata), a critically endangered species in Central America, use sophisticated 'warble duets' to communicate. These duets, performed by mated pairs, exhibit features similar to human language, such as syntax and a substantial lexicon, and are primarily used to defend territory.
Led by Professor Christine Dahlin from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, the study involved three years of fieldwork in Costa Rica, where researchers recorded and analyzed the parrots' vocalizations during territorial disputes. The analysis identified approximately 50 warble duets from 13 parrot pairs, comprising over 450 individual calls.
The study found that these parrots utilize at least 36 distinct call types in their warble duets, a significant increase from the four types observed in standard duets. This suggests a rich and structured communication system. The research team employed Voyant Tools, a text-analysis software, to detect syntax and collocation patterns within the duets, indicating a grammar-like organization.
The findings highlight the parrots' ability to use flexible and varied duets while adhering to organizational rules, demonstrating language-like properties in their communication.