Audrey has a very distinctive song. He even does this wolf whistle that my mother taught him 17 years ago. Conner picked up his songs very quickly to impress Audrey. Instead, Audrey found it annoying. He used to yell at Conner when Conner would sing Audrey’s song. I would say that Audrey was objecting to the copyright violation because I am a dork. Audrey doesn’t seem to mind anymore, though.
Well now the baby has picked up Conner’s song! When he first arrived he had his own song, but now he sings Conner’s song 90% of the time. It’s a chain of cockatiel worship around here from Audrey to Conner to Trevor. I have trouble recognizing who is singing these days.
There is a lot of singing in the house these days and I love it.
How adorable! I’ve seen something similar in my house, with regards to talking and the greys. Stella has been with us 2 years now, and the only phrases she has picked up are those that Max says.
I also have some trouble differentiating between them now!
Interesting! Does that mean Stella uses Max’s voice? We had an African Grey when I was little and his mimicry of people was so good that I frequently confused him for my mother when he called my name.
Stella’s voice is a little sweeter and higher than Max’s, but they’re very close. Max’s “Hello” is closer to “Hew-wo” from Stella. Their “Come here!”s are almost identical.
Neither of my greys are great talkers, though. Max has got my sneeze down perfectly, but that’s about the only thing she does that makes you wonder who (bird or human) is making the noise
I thought about this entry yesterday. I was up at the shelter where we have around 60 tiels up for adoption. I went over to the cage and started whistling, and about 20 ran over, trying to get close to me and mimicking me. There were a couple who got my simple songs/calls down. I’m usually only up there once a week, but I’m going to see if I can get someone to do Eine Kleine Nachtmusik (sp?)!!!
Was reading about Audrey – what a guy! Until recently I had no idea of the lifespan of cockatiels. After investigation, I am astounded to learn that my fella, Jose, is a really elderly man. He is 32 this year and was given to my parents in 1978 as a very young bird; he’s lived with me since about 1983. He’s in great shape, only occasionally falling off his perch while napping, and his hearing is extraordinary. He needs to participate in every conversation and gets upset if someone whistles “his song”. Any comments?
Alice, that’s amazing!!! The oldest known cockatiel is 35. It looks like you might be able to set the record.
And Jose doesn’t like it if humans whistle his song? How funny. Audrey is only concerned about other cockatiels copying him, not humans.
Yeah, Jose’s pretty firm in his need to be the one in charge. It’s OK if someone whistles a note or two to get him started, but after that, he bears no interruption or outside participation. He sings until he’s done, everyone listens, and that’s that! He loves playing kissy-kissy, though, making kissing noises while I do the same, nose to nose. He occasionally can be coaxed to whisle a few bars of the “Mexican Hat Dance” or “Camptown Races,” but the tune degenerates quickly.
That’s so cute! I’ve been trying to teach Conner the “Mexican Hat Dance” but he’s not interested. Your kissy game is adorable. We play a similar game with Conner.