TALKING BIRDS AND THEIR TRAINING.  
Many of the larger beaked birds may be taught to speak words or even sentences, or will learn them of their own accord from overhearing them. This power is principally possessed by the even tailed parrots, in which the tongue is large, broad, and fleshy at the tip. Their articulation does not possess that accuracy and exactness of modulation characteristic of the human voice, but to a certain extent this is mimicked. Usually there is a harshness and crudeness in their speech, though in this respect they greatly vary.
All birds possessing the power of learning to talk are gifted with a great imitative faculty, and therein lies the secret of their tuition. Parrots will often pick up words, or odds and ends of sentences, but usually it is desired that they shall learn some particular phrases, to suit the fancy of their owner. In this case a little drilling is required. The trainer should take the bird alone where there will be nothing to distract his attention; caress and pet him a little, then repeat the word in a distinct tone, and repeat at intervals of a few moments. Soon the parrot will attempt to repeat the word; caress him and reward him with a bit of cracker. Repeat this until he has learned the word thoroughly; when he has done so an alteration may be made in the method of training. On all occasions when he desires anything, make him repeat his lesson before his wishes are gratified. Gradually his lesson may be increased in length, new words or phrases being added. A lady relative of the writer possessed, some years ago, a parrot which was always anxious to be allowed to come from the hall, where he was usually kept, into the sitting room. Before he was permitted to enter he was 196always made to repeat a long string of nonsense, something like the following: “Pretty little, darling, sweet, beautiful, adorable Polly wants to come in.” This task he was rather inclined to shirk, and would commence with: “Pretty Polly wants to come in,” in hopes that would suffice. The door remaining closed, however, he would in a minute or two commence with: “Pretty little Polly wants to come in,” and so on, each time going away back to the commencement, and each time adding one of the previously omitted words until the whole were given and the door opened to admit him.
Usually there is no sense in a parrot’s expression; he “Polly wants a cracker” on all occasions, however inappropriate. He may be taught to use his language in a manner which is almost startling to one uninitiated into the secret of the matter, so apparently is it the action of reasoning powers. We have shown above how the bird can be taught to repeat any required set of words (within reasonable limits) to accomplish a desired result. The bird knows nothing about any meaning to these words, he only knows that by making certain sounds he receives a reward. Ordinarily a parrot will persistently assert that “Polly wants a cracker” when Polly doesn’t want anything of the kind, but does want a drink of water. The owner does not take the parrot’s statement as the expression of the actual want expressed, but merely that the bird wants something. The parrot consequently uses any phrase he has learned to express any desire. He is capable of associating certain phrases with certain results, without knowing anything of the meaning of the phrase. Thus, if he be taught the phrases: “Polly wants a cracker,” and “Polly wants a drink,” he will be just as apt to express either one by either phrase as he will to do so correctly; but if he receives cracker only when he asks for it, and a drink only when he asks for that, he will learn to associate the different sounds with the different results. This may be extended beyond this simple illustration as much as individual ability is capable of.
A story is told of a dweller in some eastern country who trained a parrot for sale. The bird’s education comprised only one phrase: “There can be no doubt of that!” To market the parrot was taken, and exposed for sale. Attracted by his beautiful plumage a certain rich man inquired the price. “One hundred sequins,” replied the owner. “Is he really worth all that?” inquired the customer; whereupon the bird exclaims, “There can be no doubt of that.” Charmed by the appropriateness of the reply the man buys the bird and takes him home in triumph, which triumph is changed to a disgust when the 197limited powers of his prize are discovered. Enraged at having paid so ext............