Pet Forum / Birds / Birds / February 2004

My late lovebird, Sydney II, talked but it was only a few words.

She said her name ...along the lines of "Seeeed-neeeee" and the other
phrase was "What'cha doin'?".  That's about it.

Lovebirds are not renowned as talkers, but if your bird is young and
you're patient and consistent with training, she should be able to pick
up the odd word here and there.  I would start with her name as it's an
easy word (two syllables) and one that you use often.  I'm sure one day
she'll surprise you.

FWIW, I also have a Dutch blue, a lutino Peachface and several
Black-masked, none of whom talk although they're quite chattery with
various squeaks, whistles, chirps and screeches.  

Linda

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Everything I've read about lovebirds says they aren't avid mimics like
parakeets or other species of parrots.  But the books and articles I've read
say they *will* mimic if given enough attention/repetition.  I read they
have sort of "gutteral" voices so you have to listen carefully to the
inflection to determine if that is what they are trying to do and then keep
up talking to them.

When I'm on the couch reading, Peaches usually just chirps or whistles.
When she does so, I call to her "Peaches!" (like Pee-chez!"  (emphasis on
the first syllable).  She has started replying back with "chirrrp-chirp!".
As I listen, she sounds like she's trying to mimic my inflection.  I call
back "Peaches!" and she says "Chirrrp-chirp!" and then starts running around
the cage from perch to perch.

Is this wishful thinking, or is she really trying to mimic me and talk?

Jill

Just my opinion; she's trying to mimic even if she doesn't end up talking.
My love bird did stuff like that, turned her head in response to her name,
all kinds of stuff.  Depends on how broad a definition you are willing to
take for "talk".

My attitude was, hey, at least we both seem to enjoy it!