The bird that holds world record for knowing over 1,700 words

In the realm of animal intelligence , certain species have consistently amazed us with their cognitive abilities. Among them, parrots and their relatives, such as budgerigar s that are commonly known as budgies or parakeets, have always had a special spot for their excellent capability to mimic human speech. One such extraordinary budgie was Puck, a blue male budgerigar from Petaluma, California, who achieved global fame for his exceptional vocabulary.


Puck’s incredible capability of knowing many words got him a spot in the 1995 Guinness Book of World Records as “the bird with the largest vocabulary in the world.” He had the outstanding ability of knowing as many as 1,728 words. And surprisingly, his knowledge wasn’t just based on casual guesses either. Over six months, 21 volunteers, including bird experts and two avian vets, carefully listened and documented what Puck said during different sessions. On top of that, his owner also submitted tapes and video footage as solid proof for Guinness.

Puck could form his own original sentences
According to American Cage-Bird Magazine and Bird World, unlike many birds that merely replicate sounds, Puck had an ability to form original phrases and sentences. His owner, Camille Jordan, recalled an instance on Christmas morning in 1993 when Puck, while playing on the coffee table, said, "It's Christmas. That's what's happening. That's what it's all about. I love Pucky. I love everyone." This example shows Puck's capacity to use language in the correct context.


Puck’s life was short lived
Tragically, Puck's life was short-lived. He passed away on August 25, 1994, at the age of five due to a gonadal tumor. Despite his early death, Puck's legacy has been long lived . He was featured in the 1995 through 1998 editions of the Guinness Book of World Records and made appearances in various media outlets, including Bay Area newscasts .

A Parakeet named Puck was named the “most talking bird” by the Guiness Book of World Records, with a vocabulary of more than 1,700 words. pic.twitter.com/17L7yZpoAP

— Animal Fact Files (@animalfactfiles) February 18, 2018

Puck's exceptional skills tell about the cognitive potential of budgerigars and similar species. While his case is different, it shows the complex communication skills that some birds possess. Studies have shown that budgerigars, particularly males, can develop extensive vocabularies

How do these birds talk?
Talking birds, like budgerigars and African grey parrots, can mimic human speech by using a combination of their advanced brain structures and highly developed vocal organs. Unlike mammals, birds don’t have vocal cords; instead, they use a specialised organ called the syrinx, located at the base of the trachea. This allows them to produce many complex sounds. Their brains also contain regions similar to those in humans that are involved in learning and memory. These areas help birds recognise, remember, and reproduce words they hear, especially when they are socially bonded with humans or other birds.