Deborah Phillips, age 15, of Peachland, N.C., for her question

DO PARROTS REALLY TALK?

Parrots develop their ability as mimics only when they live in captivity. If left in the wilds, they would only shriek or squawk or twitter. Yet in captivity some learn to imitate all sorts of sounds, some species better than others.

The African Gray Parrot is considered one of the best mimics, and he is followed by the green amazons of Central and South America. Larger and smaller birds do not do well in the talking department. Macaws can learn a few phrases and budgerigars and parakeets can be taught to whistle a tune or two.

Talking parrots haven't the slightest idea of what they're saying. They learn best to mimic when started young, and when simple sounds and phrases are repeated to them.