Natural History Wanderings

Researchers at Cornell University have discovered that wild parrots give their offspring identifiable vocal signatures that are recognized throughout their lives.  This is the first time it has been show that parrots transmit a socially acquired trait.  The only other species that are known to imitate vocal signatures are dolphins and humans. The study can be found in the Proceedings of the Royal Society (Botanic Sciences) Vertical transmission of learned signatures in a wild parrot.  The study suggests there may be more similarities between human speech and parrot calls than previously thought.

You can also learn more read in EarthSky Wild parrot parents give their offspring individual names | Biodiversity | EarthSky and in