Dear Parrots magazine,
Self-awareness in parrots
Scientists sometimes suggest that the ability of an animal to recognise itself in a mirror is a sign of self-awareness. In his book Animal Cognition, Clive Wynne states that several of the great apes, including chimpanzees, can recognise themselves in a mirror. He states, “Most of the other species tested, including fish, dogs, cat, elephants and parrots, all react to their reflection (if they react at all) as if it were another animal.”
I would be interested to know whether any readers have experiences with their own parrots that suggest they do recognise themselves in a mirror. And what is their evidence?
Rosemary Low, by email