Duets with a Parrot: Tico the Singing Amazon Parrot

A viral video featuring a "feathered singer" and his owner has brought joy to many with their freestyle singing.

Meet Tico and Frank Maglio Jr.

Tico is a double yellow-headed Amazon parrot. Twenty-three years ago, Frank Maglio Jr. bought him at a yard sale. Moving from Maryland to Florida, Maglio didn’t initially plan on buying a bird. Despite Maglio's reluctance due to the high price, the seller persisted. She ultimately told Maglio that if she couldn't find a home for Tico, she would have to send him to a shelter, as she couldn't take him to the UK.

However, it wasn't until recently that the 60-year-old Maglio discovered Tico’s unique vocal talents.

Discovering Tico's Talent

"During the 2020 pandemic, I couldn't travel, and it was going to be for a long time," Maglio said. "So, I started making training videos for some products I represented, allowing me to do more virtual business and remote work."

One day, while Maglio was recording a video for an instrument and practicing a song, his wife, Gina, was recording him playing Led Zeppelin’s "Stairway to Heaven." Tico began to scream.

It didn't sound particularly pleasant, and Mrs. Maglio suggested they start recording after Tico stopped. However, Maglio had a hunch that it wasn’t just random noise.

"He was actually singing along with the music," Maglio said. "I was truly shocked by what I heard and saw because it really sounded like he was performing."

Creating Music Together

Although Maglio couldn't finish recording the video, he had a lot of fun with Tico and eagerly looked forward to creating another video with the talented bird.

For Maglio, these impromptu performances with Tico mean "everything," and the bird also enjoys performing with him. Maglio shared that the bird is like "a real-life band member," with a good sense of rhythm and timing.

"He loves music. His timing for starting and stopping is impeccable," Maglio said. "I love how he looks at me when finding the key, it seems very experienced."

Favorite Performances

One of Maglio’s favorites is "Purple Rain" by Prince. They recently recorded this song to commemorate its 40th anniversary. Maglio describes his channel as a "place where people can watch, smile, and be happy," adding that his fan base is "very kind."

"Our fans love it, they smile because of us," he said. "So it motivates me to continue making videos."

Bringing Hope and Light

During recent turbulent times, people from war-torn countries have watched Tico's performances from underground shelters. These grateful viewers told Maglio that they wouldn't have made it through if not for the hope and light that he and Tico provided, showing them that there is a kinder world outside.

Looking Ahead

Thanks to their channel's great success, Maglio is ready for the next chapter. The couple recently bought an RV and plan to perform on the road and meet fans. This is an exciting time for Maglio and his fans, and undoubtedly for Tico as well.