Parakeets Show a Surprising Method for Building Trust and Friendship
Monk parakeets rely on slow, steady steps when they meet unfamiliar birds. They approach with care and watch how the other bird reacts. As a result, they avoid conflict while learning who they can trust.Researchers at the University of Cincinnati studied this behavior in detail. They observed how the birds tested each new interaction before getting close. The study appears in the journal Biology Letters.
The Slow Path to TrustThe birds rarely rush toward strangers. Instead, they move in gradually and check for any signs of aggression. This approach helps them stay safe and reduces the chance of injury.In addition, many parrot species value deep and lasting bonds. These partnerships often reduce stress and support healthy reproduction. The team used dye markers to identify individual birds as they observed each interaction.
First Contact Matters
Early encounters carry risks. Some birds react defensively if they feel threatened. Therefore, the researchers placed wild-caught monk parakeets together in a spacious flight pen. Some had no previous relationship.The team then tracked how close each pair allowed the other to come. They also recorded grooming, shared space, and other friendly behaviors.The researchers analyzed 179 relationships using computational models. They found that unfamiliar birds acted cautiously at first. However, trust grew over time. Many pairs eventually perched side by side, touched beaks, or groomed each other.Some relationships deepened further. For example, a few pairs shared food or formed mating partnerships.
A Pattern Across SpeciesThe results match earlier studies on vampire bats. Those animals also build trust through small, low-risk interactions. The process feels intuitive to many people, including the researchers who observed it.O’Connell noted that watching the birds helped her understand her own approach to meeting new people. Their slow and thoughtful method offered a reminder that trust often grows one step at a time.
