Can or do lovebirds talk?
Surprisingly, there is very little information associated with this common question. We know that agapornis canus or the Madagascar Lovebird has been reported as speaking, and there have also been reports of Agapornis roseicollis (Peachfaced Lovebird) speaking. The important element appears to be isolation from others of its kind, until it gets so desperate for communication, that it begins to pick up words in order to be able to communicate with its owner. Some breeders have reported success, even among young birds, but it seems premised on the interaction associated with hand feeding and constant repetition. It is also our understanding that clusters of young birds may also be taught to pick up words with constant repetition. In this event, the bird may relate the words to food or behavior but not necessarily speak.
