The researcher explained the process of creating new friendships with parrots

Making new friendships is not an easy task even for birds. Researchers from the University of Cincinnati have found that monk parrots, when meeting new birds, first "check the water", avoiding close contact that can lead to injury. Birds gradually approach each other, get to know each other and only then begin to interact more intensively, which helps to avoid conflicts. This was reported by Science X magazine on November 21.

"Many parrots, for example, form strong bonds with one or two birds. Partners often spend most of their time together, grooming each other, and sometimes form reproductive relationships. As a rule, maintaining these strong social bonds is associated with reduced stress and higher reproductive success," said Claire O'Connell, lead author of the study and a doctoral student at the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of California.

However, she clarified that first contact is usually associated with risk. According to her, experts often observe so-called quarrels, when a bird's attempt to comb the feathers of another bird does not receive due attention.

A group of researchers conducted an experiment involving wild parrots collected in a large aviary. Some of them were not familiar with each other. Scientists collected data on how and when new relationships began between birds, measuring their behavior during the dating process — from just being around to actions such as cleaning feathers or exchanging food.

Subsequently, 179 relationships were analyzed using computational methods and statistical models to determine whether the relationship follows the pattern predicted in previous studies. According to O'Connell, capturing the first moment of dating can be difficult.

How not to offend mom when she tries to persuade her to take a lot of twists with her: expert advice

How to tactfully give up extra jars of cucumbers and jam without hurting the feelings of your loved one

The results of the parrot study showed that strangers were more likely to approach each other with caution compared to familiar birds. They were also in no hurry to get to know each other — some even passed each other by.

Nevertheless, many people may feel familiar with this process, as it is intuitive.

"I started watching parrots shortly before moving to Cincinnati to attend graduate school. I was excited, but also a little nervous about my new friends. At the same time, I literally watched parrots make new friends on their own, although some did it better than others. I began to realize that I might have something to learn from parrots," O'Connell said.

Earlier, on October 31, Science X reported on the ability of chimpanzees and bonobos to build their social bonds like humans. One of the main ways of social identity in great apes was called social grooming. According to the publication, most monkeys concentrate intensive care on several partners, maintaining weaker ties with many others — this resembles human "friendship layers".

All important news is on the Izvestia channel in the MAX messenger.