Parrot expert Michael Schindlinger of Lesley University explained in Scientific American in 2007 that mimicking helps parrots separate members of their own community from outsiders. It can allow a bird to find its mate and prevent intracommunity conflicts over territory.

Why do birds mimic humans?

Birds seem more likely to respond to calls that are familiar to their own, and they ostracize individuals that don't speak their language, so to speak. ... According to this theory, birds that are raised in captivity might mimic their human owners as a way of gaining acceptance as a member of the family.

What does it mean when a bird mimics you?

Flock recognition

Birds raised in captivity might mimic humans, particularly their owners, to gain acceptance as a member of the family (flock). If they hear a word or phrase repeatedly, they might interpret that as a vocalisation distinct to their flock.