Parrots are surprisingly sociable and intelligent birds. You can watch for hours how the parrot sits in its cage, looks in the mirror and "talks" with its own reflection. Although it looks funny from a human point of view, for a bird such a "rite" is of great importance.
Parrot vision
Vision is the main sense that helps any bird to correctly navigate in space and get food. In addition to the fact that parrots have eyes located so that the angle of coverage is almost 360 degrees, their vision is also colored.
Because of this, parrots perceive objects in the world almost like people. Unlike cats or dogs, these birds are able to see their reflection in a mirror.
Imaginary friend
But no matter how much the parrot looks at himself in the mirror, he will never understand that this human invention only reproduces his own reflection.
The highly developed intelligence of the bird, coupled with excellent vision, gives the parrot the illusion that its relative is sitting in the mirror. Therefore, the further relationship of the parrot and his "imaginary friend" depends only on the nature of the bird itself.
Parrot behavior
Parrots, like many living things, need care and constant attention. By nature, they are laid down to live in packs and constantly communicate with their family. If the owners do not have the opportunity to devote a lot of time to their pet, then a mirror can help out in such a situation.
Seeing in the mirror of its relative, the parrot in any case will begin to "establish communication" with him. The outcome of such contact may be different.
The bird can recognize in its reflection a new friend or girlfriend. In this case, the parrot will begin to look after his "passion" and talk to her for hours: tweet, whistle and even growl.
There is another option for the development of events: the parrot will perceive the reflection as its rival and will begin to fight with it. This is especially possible if there are two parrots in the cage - a female and a male. In this case, the mirror can cause unsuccessful "marriage" of parrots.
You need to closely monitor the behavior of the parrot after a mirror appears in its cage. In the event of a conflict, the accessory should be removed, otherwise it may cause the bird to get sick and start plucking out its own feathers.
Upbringing
Thus, a parrot's mirror is not an ordinary toy like swings and bells, but a living bird: friend or foe.
The only unexpected moment for the owners may be the parrot's unwillingness to communicate with them. Some individuals are so keen on communicating with their own reflection that they do not leave the cage, even if the door is constantly open.
Therefore, it is recommended to spend as much time as possible with the bird for the first time (1-2 months), letting it get used to your hands, voice and learn a few words with it. After that, there is no need to be afraid that the bird will prefer the "looking-glass friend" to its own owner.
