Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have found that monk parakeets approach unfamiliar birds cautiously, gradually building trust to avoid aggression. The study, published in Biology Letters, reveals patterns similar to human social interactions and other animals. This cautious behavior helps the birds form strong, beneficial bonds over time.
Forming social connections can be risky for monk parakeets, as aggressive responses from strangers might lead to injury. To explore how these birds initiate relationships, scientists at the University of Cincinnati conducted experiments with wild-caught monk parakeets in a spacious flight pen. Some birds had never met before, allowing researchers to observe initial encounters closely.
The team, led by doctoral student Claire O'Connell, tracked interactions in over 179 relationships using computational tools and statistical models. They noted that unfamiliar birds maintained greater distances initially, showing more caution than with known companions. Gradually, many pairs progressed: sharing space, perching together, touching beaks, and grooming. Some even advanced to sharing food or mating.
"There can be a lot of benefits to being social, but these friendships have to start somewhere," O'Connell said. She collaborated with UC Associate Professor Elizabeth Hobson, former UC postdoctoral researcher Annemarie van der Marel, and Princeton University Associate Professor Gerald Carter. The findings highlight how parrots often form lasting bonds with one or two partners, which can reduce stress and boost reproductive success.
"Capturing the first moments between strangers can be challenging, so we were really excited that our experiments gave us the chance to observe that process up close," O'Connell added. This pattern echoes a 2020 study on vampire bats, where newcomers similarly tested trust before deeper partnerships. O'Connell related the birds' behavior to her own experience moving to Cincinnati for graduate school, noting the intuitive nature of such cautious exploration.
The research appears in Biology Letters (2025; 21(11)), underscoring the delicate process of social bonding across species.