Many scientists believe the intellectual capacity of parrots to be comparable to that of a two- to five-year-old human child.

Parrots are quick studies, often learning words and tricks for the sheer pleassure and challenge. In captivity they require a stimulating environment to prevent boredom.

Dr. Irene Pepperberg's research at the University of Arizona has shown that when presented with novel items, her African Grey Parrots are able to articulate — in clear English — what is similar about the objects, what is different, and of what "matter" they consist.

Tool use was once credited only to humans and their ancestors; the discovery of tool use in other animals redefined "intelligence." Black Palm Cockatoos in Indonesia have been observed beating sticks of wood against tree branches to ward off unwanted intruders.

The avian brain in most species processes more visual information than in mammalian species — parrots are capable of seeing far more detail at greater distances. They can also distinguish colors in the ultraviolet range, and such feather coloration — invisible to the human eye — may play an important role in courtship and mating behaviors.

Parrots — and many other birds — engage in complex social behaviors and relationshhips and must develop finely-tuned survival skills. These are learned traits that parrot chicks and juveniles acquire from their parents, older siblings, and other flock members during a prolonged developmental period.

Intelligence fosters ingenuity, which translates into adaptability and survival of species. Some parrot species have proven themselves to be incredibly ingenious; wild flocks of escaped Budgerigars (Parakeets), Lovebirds, Quakers, Amazons, and Conures have thrived and formed small breeding flocks in climate-friendly regions of the U.S. after escaping from captivity.