Parrot Learns To Order Pizza By Calling Delivery App — And It Actually Works

African grey parrots are widely considered the most intelligent birds on Earth. They can learn hundreds of words, understand concepts, and solve complex problems. What the scientific literature did not adequately prepare owner Dave Kushner for was his parrot Pixel ordering pizza. Three times in one week.

How It Started

Pixel, age 12, had long mimicked the sound of Dave’s phone notifications and voice commands. But it wasn’t until Dave noticed three separate pizza delivery charges on his bank statement — totaling $67 — that the full picture emerged. A home security camera review revealed everything.

The Footage

Pixel is captured on camera sidling up to Dave’s phone on the kitchen counter, saying “Hey [assistant], open app” in a passable imitation of Dave’s voice, and then uttering the saved order command Dave uses: “Reorder usual.” The phone processes it. Confirmation arrives. Pixel then says “Good bird” to himself and walks away.

The Orders Themselves

All three orders were for the exact same thing — Dave’s usual order of a large pepperoni pizza and garlic bread. Pixel, evidently, has Dave’s taste in food as well as his voice. One delivery driver, interviewed by a local news station, confirmed he had delivered to the address three times that week. He had not seen the bird place the order personally, but said he “had a feeling something was off.”

What Dave Did

Dave has changed his phone’s voice authentication. Pixel has learned the new voice command. The standoff continues.