Imitation of Pathological Behavior in a Monk Parakeet: A Case Report of Seizure-like Movements Mimicking PDD

Background: Proventricular dilation disease (PDD), also known as macaw wasting disease, is a progressive fatal neuropathy that can cause neurological symptoms such as seizure in parrots. Multiple scientific studies have shown behavioral imitation among psittacine species, yet imitation of pathological behaviors remains poorly understood. Methods: A male Monk Parakeet, approximately one year old, living with a Senegal Parrot diagnosed with proventricular dilation disease, was examined after it began showing repeated seizure-like behavior. Comprehensive diagnostic work—including clinical examination, hematology, and radiography—revealed no evidence of infection or neurological dysfunction. Results: Radiographs repeated twice, together with four repeated RT-PCR tests for PDD, ruled out this disease. As all test results were normal disorders that could cause true seizure symptoms were excluded. The seizure-like behavior may have been triggered by emotional empathy or by attention-seeking toward the owner. This observation pointed to imitation of the other bird’s behavior rather than an actual neurological problem. Conclusion: The findings indicate that parrots with advanced cognitive abilities are capable of imitating not only sounds but also complex behaviors. Such mimicry may arise from empathy or as attention-seeking response. Some of these imitated behaviors may resemble clinical signs of disease, but awareness of this phenomenon can help prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary treatment.

کلیدواژه ها:

Behavioral Imitation ، Proventricular Dilatation Disease ، Monk Parakeet ، Attention-seeking Behavior ، Empathy