Parrots form online friendships via Facebook video chat in new study

Two of the birds stayed in contact after the study had concluded

An 11-year-old Goffin’s cockatoo called Ellie interacting with another bird via video chat (Matthew Modoono/Northeastern University)

Birds are capable of forming “strong social relationships” via video chats, according to a new study.

Researchers at Northeastern University in the US, in collaboration with scientists at MIT and the University of Glasgow, taught parrots across a range of species to make video calls using Facebook Messenger.

After studying the birds over a three month period, their owners observed improved behaviour and well-being. They also reported that the birds learned new skills during this time, including making the video calls independently and coming up with new vocalisations.

“Some strong social dynamics started appearing,” said Rébecca Kleinberger, an assistant professor at Northeastern University.

“We’re not saying you can make them as happy as they would be in the wild. We’re trying to serve those who are already in captivity.”

The researchers also found a reciprocal dynamic similar to human socialisation after more popular parrots initiated more video calls.

Some birds even stayed in contact after the study had concluded, suggesting it could offer a way to enrich the lives of domesticated parrots.

Two of the birds in the 18 parrot study, elderly male macaws who were paired together via video chat, developed a “deep bond” during their video calls, according to the researchers.

Birds in the study were able to tap the phone screens with their beaks to make five minute video calls (Northeastern University)

They would dance and sing to each other and call “Hi, come here, hello” if the other one moved off screen.

“It really speaks to how cognitively complex these birds are and how much ability they have to express themselves,” said Ilyena Hirskyj-Douglas, an assistant professor at the University of Glasgow.

“It was really beautiful, those two birds, for me.”