Vocal learning in the grey parrot (Psittacus erithacus): Effects of species identity and number of trainers
Publication Type: |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication: |
2000 |
Authors: |
Irene M. Pepperberg, Robert M. Sandefer, Dawn A. Noel, Clare P. Ellsworth |
Publication/Journal: |
Journal of Comparative Psychology |
Keywords: |
grey parrot, learning, referential labels, training |
ISBN: |
0735-7036 |
Abstract:
Grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) learn referential English labels when they view and interact with 2 humans who model vocal labeling and who demonstrate referentiality and functionality of a label (I. M. Pepperberg, 1990a). To test if both trainers are necessary, the authors contrasted 2-trainer modeling with training by 1 human who presented targeted labels to a bird in concert with appropriate items, who asked questions, and who would reward attempts at the label with the item. The bird was also tutored by either 1 or 2 interactive humans in conjunction with a conspecific who already used referential labels. Referential labels were learned from multiple live tutors but not a single trainer. Presence of a conspecific enhanced learning compared with single-trainer sessions but did not affect acquisition in 2-human sessions. Specific aspects of paired tutoring seem critical for acquiring referential vocal labels.