Left-wing parrot calls Trump a ‘w****r’ when he is on TV and shouts ‘up the Democrats’
An 11-year-old African Grey parrot in Belfast has learned to swear at President Donald Trump on TV, with the owner saying Lucky Angel picked up her left-wing political shouts
Lucy Angel, the parrot(Image: Marie Mcaleavey / SWNS)
An 11-year-old African Grey parrot calls President Trump a “w****r” when he comes on TV. Owner Marie Macleavey often voices her pro-left-wing opinions while watching the news, and believes her parrot Lucky Angel picked it up.
According to Marie, Lucky is very vocal about American politics, also shouting “up the Democrats” on occasion. Lucky Angel also complains when guests smoke or vape in her home.
Marie, an artist, from Belfast, Northern Ireland, said: “He’s just so entertaining! I used to live in New York and my sister still does, so I’m pretty invested in the state of politics over there.
“I was delighted to hear that Lucky had picked up some of my favourite things to shout at the telly.
He calls President Trump a “w*nker”(Image: Marie Mcaleavey / SWNS)
“And he also got my cousin to stop vaping by complaining about it so much when she was over!” Marie has had Lucky since he was two after seeing an ad for a parrot wanting a new home in her area.
African Grey parrots are often dubbed the “Einsteins of the bird world”, World Animal Protection Australia explains. Native to the rainforests of equatorial Africa, they’re famous for sharp problem-solving skills, strong emotions and an uncanny ability to sound like a human.
Experts say the birds can have an intelligence and emotional range similar to a toddler, meaning they don’t simply “parrot” words back, as per World Animal Protection UK. Moreover, they can learn routines, react to situations, and pick up on the moods of the household.
Lucy Angel with owner Marie Mcaleavey(Image: Marie Mcaleavey / SWNS)
A well-socialised African Grey can build a huge vocabulary and, crucially, often uses phrases in the right context, like saying “goodnight” when the lights go out, rather than repeating sounds at random, according to Veterinary Center for Birds & Exotics. They’re also master mimics, able to copy everyday noises from phones and microwaves to a family member’s laugh, sometimes so convincingly it catches people out.
In captivity, healthy African Greys can live for decades; often 50 to 60 years, with some living even longer, which means many end up needing to be rehomed when owners’ circumstances change. Animal welfare groups warn that being passed between homes can be particularly upsetting for such sensitive birds.
Anyone thinking of keeping one is often told they’re not a “beginner” pet, Northern Parrots warns.
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