Do Parrots Have Ears?

Are there ears on parrots? As we can’t see the parrot’s ears with our naked eyes, this thought may have occurred to us. So, how do parrots listen so well and catch what we’re saying?

A parrot’s ears, unlike humans’, are not clearly visible to the naked eye. We are here to know do parrots have ears. However, did you know that parrots have ears that are hidden beneath their feathers? This keeps the parrots from being distracted by other noises while they are flying. This article answers all of these questions, as well as provides a wealth of additional information.

Parrot’s Hearing Capacity & Ear Structure!

One of the most attractive and intellectual birds is the parrot. They are fully aware of their weaknesses and strengths, and they can always forecast danger and how to deal with it. This post will provide some fascinating information about this magnificent species and its unique characteristics.

Where are the ears of parrots?

If you’re wondering how birds can hear because their ears aren’t visible from the outside, consider this. Many birds, including parrots, lack external ears and instead have a hole on either side of their heads, directly behind and slightly below the eyes. These ears are hidden by the fact that they only have a small aperture and are also covered in feathers.

We’re all aware that the external ear’s anatomy is useful for determining where a sound is originating from. The structure of the parrot ears is listed below:

• Meatus- This is a small external passage consisting of a muscle that helps the parrot to open and shut the opening of the ear.
• Columella- This is also known as the inner ear bone that is connected to the eardrums. 

Some parts of the inner ear are as follows:

• Semi-circular canals- These canals are a crucial part of the parrots’ ears as they help the parrots to balance perfectly.
• Utriculus- Like the semi-circular canals, this part also helps the parrot to find balance.
• Cochlea- This is a bone that is hollow and filled with a fluid including a basilar membrane.
• Lagena- Another crucial part of the parrots’ ears is the Lagena which helps to detect low-frequency sounds
• Sacculus- Unlike Lagena, this part helps the bird identify high-frequency sounds.  

But is it possible for a bird to detect the location of the sound? Yes, it is definitely possible for a bird to detect where the sound is coming from and not only that but they are considered to be the most attentive creatures on earth.

Furthermore, some birds even have the capacity to hear a rat’s heartbeat from the air and are able to strike them in the dark. Even they are much more attentive when the hatching time of their eggs is near.

Additionally, they communicate in different sounds with their fellow mates and have special sounds for various occasions. Parrots are known for their incredible hearing power and are among few birds who can actually mimic various sounds. 

How far away parrots can hear?

By far we have known that parrots have ears and they are very attentive when it comes to sounds. However, parrots cannot hear very high or very low sounds. Generally, parrots can hear frequencies ranging from 200 Hz to 8.5 kHz. The ears of parrots are very sensitive which means that they can easily catch pitch, rhythm, and tone.

Parrots can also identify the sounds of their fellow mates as well through their singing and voice calls. As parrots can hear every sound produced in their surroundings within their frequency hearing range, they consider their eyesight to be more important than hearing. However, they have ears in order to survive.

Parrots’ ears are very much sensitive to sudden noise produced in their surroundings or by their fellow mates. We can’t deny the fact that parrots are good at the hearing but not that good. They mimic not just because they have good hearing but they also have very sharp brains and that is why parrots are able to memorize sounds and words so well. 

How does the hearing of a parrot differ from humans?

Well, parrots have ears but they are not that good at hearing when compared to humans. According to a study it has been found that parrots can identify various sounds but have a low hearing capacity as compared to humans because they lack the external structure that is needed to funnel sound waves so that they can reach the ear cavity.

Another reason why parrots have a low hearing capacity is that their inner ears are covered with feathers that protect their ears from dust, wind, etc. but due to this sole reason, they can’t hear various noises just because their ears are blocked by feathers. And on top of that if they are flying then there would be a further reduction of sounds that reaches their ears. This can be a con but parrots take the advantage of this and remain focused as no external noise would distract them easily. 

Parrots can hear frequencies ranging from 200 Hz to 8.5 kHz and on the other hand, a human ear can hear frequencies ranging from 31 Hz to 19 kHz. This means that parrots are not able to hear extremely high or low sounds. Nonetheless, they are extremely good at hearing frequencies that fall under the human vocal range and so they are able to mimic them with the help of their sharp brain. 

Can parrots go deaf?

Another interesting subject is whether parrots can go deaf like humans if they have ears. So, no, parrots cannot become deaf; the main cause is their cells. Their hair cells, which are found inside the ear canal of parrots, have the potential to regenerate, which is why they do not go deaf.

Humans are unable to replenish their cells, and once they have died, they cannot be replaced. Even if individuals believe their temporary hearing loss is due to a dead hair cell, they can quickly recover and hear again following this regeneration. The main reason birds can’t go deaf is that they’re amphibians, thus deafness isn’t an option for them.

However, if they come into touch with high noise, their hair regenerating capacity may be harmed, and they may suffer permanent sound loss. Even though you’ve watched parrots scream all day at their loud voices, their regenerating capacity protects them from any type of sound loss, and their screams have no effect on them.

Conclusion

Do parrots have ears? If they don’t, will they be able to hear all the noises? If they do, where are they? So, yes, they have ears, and they are located inside the feather. The ear hole is actually hidden by the auricular feather, which is slightly behind the eye.

This inner ear really makes parrots more intelligent when they are flying since they are not distracted by other noises and these feathers also protect them from rain, storm, turbulence, and dust, among other things. Their ear is made up of a meatus and a small external canal. And these inner ears contain five parts Semi circular canals, Utriculus, Cochlea, Lagena, and Sacculus.

The major reason they can hear so well is because of the cells in their ear canal that send vibrations to the brain, allowing them to be effective listeners. They can hear well at a reasonable frequency, but not at exceptionally high or low frequencies.

Parrots, who have a hearing range of 200Hz to 8.5kHz, are significantly more sensitive to pitch and tone than humans. Their hearing aids them in detecting predators, locating water, locating partners, navigating, and anticipating any risks. So, based on all of these factors, we may assume that parrots can hear well and have ears. They are also intelligent in addition to being beautiful.