The Genes That Make Parrots into the Humans of the Bird World

nytimes.com

24 pointsdnetesn5 comments

My family got a parrot 22 years ago when I was a kid. It's a bit depressing to think that if we had gotten a dog or a cat, it would have been long dead by now.

My mom's last cat made it to 20 (he just died last year). But that is about the max for a cat (a few make it into their mid-20s).

Man, you must really not like that bird.

I meant it the other way around, in case it wasn't clear. My childhood pet is still alive, and it's depressing to think about the fact that it wouldn't be if it had been a dog.

> And they’re just two of the many parrots in the world who have surprised us with their intelligence, skills and longevity.

About said longevity, it was my understanding that parrots (most birds?) commonly get arthritis in their wings as they age. This is a fatal condition to a flying lifestyle. Given that, is their longevity in captivity really a surprise?

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