Some studies report that certain parrot species display behaviours consistent with mirror self-recognition, suggesting a level of bodily self‑awareness that is rare among non‑human animals
Main claim
Research indicates that a subset of parrots sometimes show responses to mirrors that are interpreted as self‑directed behaviour—such as using the mirror to inspect parts of their body—patterns that are taken as evidence for mirror self‑recognition in comparative cognition studies.
Evidence and studies
Empirical work on mirror self‑recognition across species is complex and often produces mixed results. Controlled tests (for example, mark tests) and careful behavioural analyses are used to distinguish social or aggressive reactions from true self‑directed inspection, and reviews of the literature place parrots among the taxa with some supportive but not universally conclusive findings.
Interpretation and criteria
Passing the classic mirror mark test—touching or investigating a mark on the body that is only visible via the mirror—is considered strong evidence of mirror self‑recognition, but researchers note the test can give false negatives and should be complemented with other measures of self‑directed behaviour and individual variation in motivation and sensory ecology.
Implications
If some parrots truly recognise their reflection, this points to advanced cognitive capacities for bodily awareness and self–other distinction, aligning with other indicators of parrot intelligence such as problem solving, vocal learning and social complexity.
Conclusion
In summary, evidence suggests that certain parrot species can display mirror self‑recognition‑like behaviours, but the findings are nuanced, species‑ and individual‑dependent, and continue to be evaluated within a broader scientific debate about what mirror tests reveal about self‑awareness.