German ornithologists conducted a study of birds inhabiting Africa and found that the parrots of grey parrots are characterized by a propensity for generosity and mutual help.
Six females and two male grey parrots participated in the experiment, placed in a specially equipped transparent container. The birds were offered to give a man a metal ring and in return get a treat. However, the test parrot could do it only through its neighbor, who could keep the given treat for himself. As a result, most parrots did not assign the intended congener award.
Researchers compared the results of the experiments with grey parrots and mountain Macaws, but the latter did not show generosity. Blue magpies, who shared food with their brothers, were more inclined to it.
It is noted that mutual help is very rare among birds.
