How could any writer not be enchanted by a creature who can actually make words? Charles Dickens was. He had a pet raven named Grip, who supposedly could speak. Some say Grip was the inspiration for Edgar Allan Poe's literary raven.

Reading about animal communication is one of my hobbies. I've always been amazed at their incredibly varied and resourceful forms of language. And aside from their own methods of communication, many animals can learn to understand and respond to human words. But very few have the capacity for speaking -- even the late, legendary chimp, Washoe, who learned to use American Sign Language.

Bird brains may be tiny, but when it comes to the structures that deal with vocal learning -- that ability to imitate and use a vocal sound -- their brains are uncannily similar to our own. Last year I was heartbroken when Alex, one of the most remarkable talking birds in the world, passed away. For many years I followed Dr. Irene Pepperberg's work with her super smart and way too adorable African Grey parrot. Alex not only understood most of the words he used, but at the time of his death he was learning the alphabet. I was sure Alex was on his way to reading. Who knows, maybe his fellow parrot friend, Griffin, will take that one on. In any case, Dr. Pepperberg's upcoming book about her work and friendship with Alex is definitely on my reading list.

Here is a link to find out more about Alex - http://www.alexfoundation.org

Or if you want to know more about Washoe - http://www.friendsofwashoe.org

And check out the myna bird on this home page - http://www.mynahbird.org