Gifted parrot that helped in bird brain research dies

WALTHAM, Mass. (AP) Researchers at Brandeis University in Massachusetts are mourning the sudden death of a gifted parrot.

Alex could count to six, identify colors and even express frustration with repetitive scientific trials.

The African Grey parrot was found dead in his cage Friday by scientist Irene Pepperberg, who had worked with the bird on a nearly daily basis for the past 30 years. She calls the loss "devastating." Alex's advanced language and recognition skills revolutionized the understanding of the avian brain. The parrot learned enough English to identify 50 different objects, seven colors and five shapes.

Alex occasionally instructed two other parrots at the lab to "talk better" if they mumbled, though it wasn't clear if he was simply mimicking researchers.

The cause of Alex's death is unknown.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 09-11-07 0920CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list