The parrot who challenged scientific beliefs about animal intelligence

[pokerfan]

Alex was also learning to say "brown." As a kind of learning aid for "brown," Pepperberg placed a small wooden block painted chocolate brown next to Alex.

After breakfast, Alex preened again, keeping an eye on the flock. Every so often, he used his claw to pick up the toy block and held it aloft as if showing it to everyone in the room. Then he opened his beak: "Tell me what co-lor?"

"Brown, Alex. The color is brown," Pepperberg, Levin, and the other assistant replied in a kind of singsong unison. They stretched out brown into almost full two syllables, emphasizing the "br" and "own."

Alex listened silently. Sometimes he tried part of the word: "rrr . . . own." Other times, he again held up his block and repeated his question: "What co-lor?" And the trio of humans replied together: "Brown, Alex. The color is brown."

Reprinted with permission from Animal Wise: The Thoughts and Emotions of Our Fellow Creatures by Virginia Morell.

Read the complete excerpt here.

[arcane1]

1. I had a feeling this would be about Alex

I first heard of him in an excellent (and heartbreaking) episode of Nova Science Now

[pokerfan]

2. As did I

as soon as I saw the title. That Nova episode was fantastic.

[arcane1]

3. The dog that knew all of the names of his toys was pretty remarkable too

The more we learn about other animals, the less unique our uniqueness becomes. That's a good thing

[pokerfan]

4. Yeah, Chaser the Border Collie

Remembered both their names but had to think a bit for Alex. I'm an engineer by profession but I've always been fascinated with animal intelligence.

[BlancheSplanchnik]

5. why does this kind of post get me teary eyed?

Wish I could have met Alex. :,)

[GiveMeFreedom]

6. Kick and Recommend

for Alex. And the story too.