Whistling is one of the easiest vocal commands to teach a bird. Almost all species of birds from small birds like budgies and cockatiels to larger birds like parrots and macaws can learn to whistle. This vocalization comes naturally to birds and most adult macaws can learn to whistle in a month or two (some will learn to whistle in as little as a week or even a day!).
To start do use a short whistle (like a woot woot): Macaws are capable of learning long whistling tunes, but to start it’s ideal to use a very short whistle. This allows your bird to grasp the concept of copying your whistle in an easy manner. Choose a very short whistle (woot woot – used to catcall women is a perfect example).
Repeat the whistle throughout the day: Once you have chosen the short whistle you’d like to teach your macaw, begin using that whistle frequently throughout the day. Try to use the whistle at least 5 to 6 times a day in the presence of your bird. Or whistle each time you pass their cage or play stand. The more frequently your bird hears the whistle, the more likely they are to try and whistle themselves.
Whistle during times when they are squawking: A great way to inspire any macaw to try and whistle is to whistle while they are squawking. Birds love being vocal- and if your bird is in a loud mood (aka they are squawking) they are more likely to try and make a different noise as well. Each time your bird begins to squawk, whistle to them. Most likely they will stop to listen to the whistle, and at some point they will begin to try and mimic the whistle themselves. Do this as consistently as possible. Not only will it teach your macaw to whistle, it will also discourage them from squawking by teaching them to whistle instead.
Reward them for attempts at trying: Each time you hear your macaw attempt to mimic your whistle, reward them. Give them a small treat or special attention. This shows them that the whistle is a positive activity and they will receive rewards for doing it.
When they try to copy, repeat the whistle very deliberately: Each time your macaw tries to copy your whistle, whistle again- as clearly as possible. This will allow your bird to clearly hear the whistle and then try to mimic the sound accurately.
When they finally whistle the tune, whistle it back: When your macaw does begin to whistle the tune you are trying to teach them, always whistle it back to them. This shows your bird that whistling is a way that they can communicate with you, and allows them to practice and perfect their whistling tune.
Move onto longer whistling tunes: As your macaw masters their first whistle you can begin to teach them other whistles. Most domestic birds are capable of learning multiple different tunes- and some can even learn entire whistling songs. Simply follow the same steps above to teach your bird a new whistle and you will have a very vocally diverse bird in no time!
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