The truth is, of course, that not all parrots talk, not even those from the species known best for their mimicry, the double-yellow-headed and yellow-naped Amazons and the Timneh or Congo varieties of the African greys. While nearly every parrot species kept as a pet has a talker or two among its ranks, some types of birds just aren't known for their mimicry.

I had kept macaws, cockatoos, yellow nape, double yellow, african grey etc.
From my experience, parrots are just like human and they have the smart and the stupid ones, the fast learner and the slow learner.
It's best to consider talking a bonus rather than a requisite characteristic of your pet.

You can try to teach your parrot some words and phrases by repeating them clearly, or even by using Cds, tapes or computer programs that say the same language over and over. You can nurture communication further by using the words in their proper context, and by setting up an association your bird can grasp.

For example, every time your bird lowers his head to request a scratch, ask him, "Wanna scratch?" and then scratch him. When you give him foods or other toys, call him by name out loud. Play naming games with him. Say "toy" and then tell him "Good bird!" for taking the toy from you, and then repeat the exercise.

You may have an easier time if yours is a one-bird household. Two birds may be more interested in talking their own language with each other than figuring out your expressions. Some experts also suggest not attempting to teach your bird to whistle, at least not until he has picked up speech. Whistling birds seem to show a reluctance to use words.

__________________
Petsfanatics.com has no multi-million dollar marketing campaign or celebrity sponsors, but we do have something even better—you. If you enjoy Petsfanatics please consider telling a friend, sharing it with anyone who loves pets, or writing the author of a media article that overlooks us.
PETAS [Pets Enterprises and Traders Association (Singapore) ] - Committee Member
Founder of Merlion-K9 Training
www.merlion-K9.com
Public Relations Officer
FYNNMOOD GOLDFISH CLUB SINGAPORE
Member of Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT)