The news has been chock-full of exciting and interesting items lately. Today we learn that Harvard researchers, after careful study of Youtube video clips of Snowball the Cockatoo, have concluded that we humans are not the only species capable of rhythmic movement. (Indeed, this precious gift does not even extend to all members of our own species, as anyone will know who has ever listened to a roomful of white people clapping along with a band.)
This all might have been obvious after a moment’s reflection, I should have thought, upon the many rhythmic patterns and complexities of birdsong, but the scientists must be more thorough than we laypersons, I suppose. At any rate, it appears the blessing of natural rhythm is shared by “14 types of parrot species and one elephant”. (I am not sure what a “type of species” is, but that must be a very proud elephant, and the envy of his pride...or whatever an elephant family is called.)
The story also informs us that one “Alex, an African grey parrot”, particularly enjoys dancing to drum tracks, but this veers, I think, dangerously close to invidious stereotyping, so I won't dwell on it.
You can see Snowball cutting a rug (well, actually the back of a chair) here, and read the story here.
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