Parrots are highly intelligent and social birds that possess the ability to dance and bob their heads in time with music. While parrots have unique music preferences and react differently to various genres, certain types of upbeat songs tend to elicit head bobbing and dance-like movements from these clever avians. Understanding what motivates parrots to “get down” provides insight into their auditory senses, cognition, and enrichment needs.
Why Do Parrots Dance to Music?
Parrots are one of the few animal species, besides humans, that are capable of detecting rhythms and moving their bodies in sync with music. Researchers believe parrots dance for the following reasons:
- Physical stimulation – The upbeat tempos and rhythms provide mental and physical enrichment.
- Social bonding – in the wild, parrots congregate in large flocks and vocalize together. Dancing may strengthen social bonds.
- Communication – Head bobbing signals excitement and attempts to interact with owners or other birds.
- Curiosity – Parrots are highly investigative. Dancing demonstrates their interest in a new sound.
- Self-recognition – Some studies indicate dancing allows parrots to locate themselves in relation to their auditory environment.
The consensus is that parrots dance for the same reasons humans do – because it feels enjoyable and instinctual. The synchronization between music and movement lights up pleasure centers in their brains.
Musical Attributes That Promote Parrot Dancing
While parrots have diverse musical preferences, certain attributes and genres elicit a stronger dancing response than others:
Upbeat Tempo (90-140 BPM)
The speed or pace of music impacts its effect on parrots. Upbeat songs between 90-140 beats per minute (BPM) align best with parrots’ natural head bobbing and reggae-style movements. Slower ballads outside of this tempo range often do not illicit much response.
Distinct Percussive Beats
Clear, repetitive drum beats seem to help parrots lock into the rhythm of a song. The pulses act as timing cues that sync with parrots’ movement patterns. Genres like reggae, salsa, techno, and pop often incorporatepercussive rhythms.
Repetitive Melodic Phrases
Parrots respond well to music that contains repetitive melody patterns. Mimicking and vocalizing back melodies demonstrates their intelligence and appreciation for the sounds. Reggae and electronic dance music feature plenty of catchy, repetitive hooks.
Familiarity
Like humans, parrots develop music preferences through experience. Songs that parrots are frequently exposed to and have positive associations with get the strongest dance reactions. Their “favorite” tunes tap into recognition and reward pathways.
Simple Harmonies And Scales
Parrots seem attracted to music built on simple chord progressions and melodic patterns. Examples include reggae and folk music. Pieces with complex, dissonant harmonies can confuse their auditory senses.
Top Music Genres That Make Parrots Dance
While parrots have diverse music tastes, these five genres consistently prompt dance-like reactions in pet parrots:
Reggae
The distinct rhythms and chilled-out vibes of reggae music elicit excellent movement responses. Songs like “Three Little Birds” by Bob Marley contain upbeat tempos,catchy melodies, and percussive rhythms parrots love to dance to.
Salsa
The high-energy rhythms and blaring brass instruments in salsa music motivate parrots to dance. Upbeat songs like “La Negra Tiene Tumbao” by Celia Cruz prompt parrots to bob heads, flap wings, and shimmy.
Electronic Dance Music (EDM)
The pulsing beats and repetitive rhythms in EDM make it a go-to genre for dancing parrots. Try playing vibrant house tracks like “One More Time” by Daft Punk.
Pop Music
Contemporary mainstream pop often features danceable attributes like pulsing beats, repetitive choruses, and energetic vocals. Parrots seem to enjoy bouncy hits like “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift.
Rock Music
Upbeat rock with clear drum beats can stimulate parrots. Try classics like “Wild Thing” by The Troggs or “Hey Ya!” by OutKast to get your parrot moving to the beat.
Examples of Specific Songs Parrots Enjoy Dancing To
Here are some examples of actual songs and artists that have been observed to elicit dancing behaviors in pet parrots:
Song | Artist | Genre |
---|---|---|
Come And Get Your Love | Redbone | Funk |
Happy | Pharrell Williams | Pop |
Lovely Day | Bill Withers | R&B |
Soul Bossa Nova | Quincy Jones | Jazz |
Walk The Dinosaur | Was (Not Was) | Pop |
Hot Hot Hot | Buster Poindexter | Soca |
Jump In The Line | Harry Belafonte | Calypso |
Louie Louie | The Kingsmen | Rock |
Barbara Ann | The Beach Boys | Pop |
Fat Bottomed Girls | Queen | Rock |
Tips for Making Music Fun for Dancing Parrots
Here are some tips for owners to encourage dancing in pet parrots:
- Play a variety of rhythmic genres like reggae, salsa, and pop at various times.
- Keep volume at moderate levels that aren’t overstimulating.
- Pay attention to your parrot’s reactions and play more of songs they seem to enjoy.
- Keep a consistent daily schedule for “dance party” times.
- Consider playing special dancing music when your parrot seems energetic.
- Praise and give positive attention when your parrot starts to move to the beat.
- Play music in areas where your parrot has enough space to dance.
- Vary the order of songs instead of repeating the same playlist.
- Occasionally introduce new dancing songs to keep things interesting.
- Join in and dance along to encourage participation and social bonding.
The key is making dance sessions positive, versatile, and high-energy enriching breaks in your parrot’s day. Pay attention to reactions over time to determine optimal music choices. Over weeks, your parrot will gain familiarity with their favorite danceable tunes.
The Benefits of Music and Dance for Parrots
Playing rhythmic music and allowing parrots to dance offers the following benefits:
- Enrichment – Provides mental and physical stimulation.
- Exercise – Gets parrots moving and expending energy in a healthy way.
- Bonding – Strengthens the social bond between owner and parrot.
- Training – Music can be used as a reward in training sessions.
- Relaxation – Alleviates stress and engages pleasant emotions.
- Play – Allows parrots to engage in natural play behaviors.
- Rehabilitation – Can help rescue birds by improving confidence and mood.
In moderation, dancing gives captive parrots an outlet for their wild instincts and innate love of movement in an environment with limited space. Pay attention to signs of overstimulation, but look for opportunities to turn on some catchy tunes and get those parrot feet tapping!
Conclusion
Parrots have a natural tendency and ability to move rhythmically in response to music. Upbeat genres like reggae, salsa, and pop with fast tempos, strong beats, and repetitive patterns are most likely to elicit head bobbing and dancing in parrots. Songs that are familiar and have positive associations also produce the strongest dance reactions. Owners can encourage dancing by playing energetic music at consistent times and praising parrots for moving to the beat. Parrot dance parties provide enrichment, exercise, bonding, and an outlet for natural instincts. Figuring out your parrot’s taste in tunes takes time but allows you to create an enriching musical environment. So turn up the volume and get ready to “rock out” with your feathered friend!