Not only parrots can imitate human voices - crows and ravens can do it as well.
Sometimes they imitate voices so well, that it even sounds scary.
But why do they do that?
Cognitive Abilities
Crows and ravens have impressive cognitive abilities and are considered among the most intelligent of all bird species.
They have a large brain relative to their body size and exhibit problem-solving skills, complex social behaviors, and a high capacity for learning.
Social Interaction
These birds are highly social and communicate with a wide range of vocalizations to convey information, establish territories, and interact with other members of their group.
By imitating human voices, they may be attempting to communicate or engage with their environment, including humans.
Environmental Influence
Crows and ravens are exposed to various sounds, including human voices, in their natural habitat.
Through their observational learning abilities, they can mimic and incorporate these sounds into their repertoire.
Vocal Flexibility
Crows and ravens have versatile vocal cords, allowing them to produce a wide range of sounds.
They can manipulate their vocal apparatus to mimic and imitate different sounds, including human voices.
Communication Adaptability
They can adjust their vocalizations to suit different situations, including imitating sounds they encounter.