African grey parrots have a specialized auditory system capable of detecting a wide range of sounds, from low-frequency infrasound to high-frequency ultrasound. Their hearing is especially acute, allowing them to distinguish sounds that are very close in frequency—a vital skill for detecting predators in the wild.
This sensitivity also helps them learn and reproduce human speech with impressive accuracy. They have ears on the sides of their heads, covered by protective feathers. Sound travels through the outer ear, is amplified by three small bones in the middle ear, and is converted into electrical signals by the cochlea in the inner ear for the brain to interpret.
In addition to excellent hearing, African greys have strong senses of vision and smell to navigate their environment and find food.