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Can Mynah Birds Talk?

Animals and birds that mimic human speech sounds, and even hold conversations, have long been a source of fascination. Various types of parrots are some of the more well known talking birds, but other birds are also excellent mimics of sounds, tones and human speech. Some species of mynah birds mimic the songs of other birds, sounds and tones heard repetitively and, yes, some also learn to talk.

Mynah Birds
- Mynah birds are members of the starling family and are energetic, gregarious and social creatures. They tend to both travel and roost in flocks, and also form strong pair bondings. In most species of starlings, including mynah birds, both male and female birds take care of the nest and nestlings. Though starlings naturally populate the African, European and Asian continents, over the years they have been transported onto other regions of the world, including the Americas. Some species of starlings are migratory, changing locations with the seasons.
Talking
- Mimicry can help provide a protective covering for young mynah birds.
  
  Mynah birds learn from imitation. Baby mynahs mimic their parents, other adult mynahs and even the songs of other birds. In their natural, wild settings, the ability of baby mynah birds to imitate the sounds of other bird species can be useful as a survival or protective strategy. Even in captivity their talent from mimicry can bring benefits such as added attention and treats as they are rewarded for reproducing human speech sounds.
How They Do It
- There are ongoing studies into just how mynah and other birds are able to talk in human language. Humans use the larynx, vocal cords, tongue and vibrations to form words. Birds, despite having a larynx, do not use it to produce speech sounds. This may be the production of the syrinx, a structure in the bird's throat that holds the medial tympaniform membranes. These membranes send air flowing through the bird's throat, producing sounds.
Teaching
- Caged mynah birds need room for side-to-side hopping.
  
  Start bonding with your young mynah bird when it is six to eight weeks old and begin training it for speech. Repeat certain words and phrases and be patient while the bird learns to pick up the sounds and mimic them correctly, instead of just producing garbled speech. Put the phrases on tape or a CD and let them play so that the sounds are reiterated for the bird. If you want a talking bird and don't have time to dedicate to training, another option is to get an older, already talking bird and just add to its vocabulary. Be aware, however, that not all birds that are capable of speaking will do so.

Animals & Science