Before I got Hardy (maxi pi), I did some research on Pionus parrots and thought I knew what to expect. I don't know if Hardy is an unusual bird, or if the pionus propaganda board is really doing their job well, but he was a surprise in many aspects. First of all, he was so much noisier than expected! Apartment bird, my rear end!! And I'm used to noise - I have two cockatoos! So, it wasn't a bad surprise, but I had no idea that he was going to be so loud.
Secondly, I read that they aren't especially good talkers. Well, Hardy talks his head off. All the time. Most of the time he talks so fast, and with so much excitement, that you can't make out words. But when he calms down a bit, he is amazingly clear with his words and tone. And he is incredibly smart is using the correct words in context. AND he will overhear words, and incorporate them properly into his own phrases!! His timing is impeccable too - he'll say to me, "Hardy go Daddy!". I bring him to the office where my husband is working, and Hardy says, "Poopy Daddy!!!", then laughs. He has never forgiven my husband for not being his person. Hardy chose my husband, but he's not the bird person - I am. Hardy adapted, but he's holding a grudge!
He's also very fearless. I've heard about the pionus wheeze that they do when they are scared - well, I've only heard it a few times with Hardy. He goes everywhere with me and loves to see new things. He's curious about the horses, and yells at the birds who fly overhead. And when I brought him out to see the construction workers at my new barn, he yelled "Stop!!!!!!" when they turned on their saw, instead of being frightened at the sound.
The one thing I've noticed about pi's (from my own experience and reading about other pi's on this board and others) is that they are pretty independent and opinionated. When a pionus doesn't want you to handle them, their body language is crystal clear. And if you are foolish enough to try to pick up a Pi in the middle of a pionus strut, you better have 911 on speed dial. You ARE going to bleed!!!