microtonal parrots

[Ursell, TD 131:]
> would a bird - a speaking bird of sorts, have the
> innate ability to remember 12ET or, say, 7
> limit JI easier than 19ET, quarter notes, or 31ET?

I'm no expert, but I saw a TV show once about parrots.
It emphasized that they are among the most intelligent
life-forms on earth - right up there with dolphins,
whales, seals, and possibly us stupid humans.

From what I recall of the show's information,
it would be very easy for a parrot to remember
a microtonal intonation.

I'm not speaking for other species of birds,
even those closely related to parrots.
They are almost unique among avians,
excelled in intelligence only by the raven.

Ravens also reportedly have the 2nd-widest variety
of vocal utterances in the animal kingdom, after humans.
(there's an article about them in a very recent National Geographic)

Speaking of raven (--> plug for J.R. <--),
Johnny Reinhard's cat Tara recognizes microtonal music
when she hears it (and *she* gets to hear a lot of it
- she likes it). She's also an extremely intelligent cat.

-monzo

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