On Radio One

In 2022, Greg James hosted a fun debate about a viral video from Chile, where a news anchor was reporting live on a robbery when a parakeet landed on his shoulder and stole his earpiece. Greg invited two listeners to argue whether the moment was staged or simply a cheeky bird being itself.

We messaged in and ended up taking part on the “cheeky parakeet” side of the debate. On the other side was an expat Chilean, who argued that the stunt was set up for publicity and that Chileans are just as cheeky!

I’d like to think I convinced Greg that this behaviour is actually typical of parakeets—naturally curious birds that love to investigate and take interest in anything they can grab, chew, or “destroy.” We’ll try to find the clip so you can decide for yourself… LOL.