The book describes a series of unique scientific experiments by American researcher Irene Pepperberg to study the mental abilities of gray parrots, known for their ability to imitate human speech. As a result of 30 years of experiments with a parrot named Alex, it was shown that he not only memorized and then meaningfully repeated the English words that he was painstakingly taught (names of surrounding objects, actions, names of people, etc.). He could resourcefully use them in a completely new situation. At the same time, in parallel with the “main program,” he learned words from the conversations of those around him and used them at his own discretion in accordance with new situations. For example, he himself understood the meaning of the word “no” and began to use it when something did not suit him in a variety of situations; he called other parrots “hens,” imitating the students who reacted this way to his incorrect answers. The book is written in a very interesting way. , in a language accessible to a wide range of readers. It will be of interest to both specialists and a wide range of people interested in communication abilities, animal thinking and the origin of human language.