Playback studies of geographic dialects from wild parrot populations have shown that birds react more strongly to their local tongue. read more
Parrots are not equally vocal, and many species likely imitate for different reasons. For example, African grey parrots in the wild are known to imitate other species of birds. My own observations of Amazon parrots from Mexico to Guyana to Peru revealed only imitations of each parrot's own species (and their own local dialects). read more
Parrots are very observant creatures with very high energy levels. In captivity, they try to imitate the noises in the environment surrounding them and possibly avoid boredom and to spend their energy. read more
Well, predators fear other animals as well, so the parrot mimics the sound of that animal their enemies fear. read more