Mocking birds are very intelligent birds

Birds are in general very intelligent.

I have never liked having birds in cages

Not necessarily in a cage, but it is very good to have at least one bird. I have a Harris's hawk. We love each other. She can sat on my arm all day. We sleep with each other. I often feed her with hand. And on my arm too. I spend most of my time with her. Except when I am at work. Nowadays I work in a 4 hours per day part time job. To be honest, a Harris's hawk is my only real happiness and enjoyment in life.