I meant to respond to this, and just now remembered to.
I think it's not they like females more than males, but that our (us women) higher pitched, softer voices are liked and responded to more than a man's deep gruff tones.
We also usually put much more emotion and excitement in our speaking, which I believe is something birds also like.
When it comes to a woman's voice illiciting a response, you could have a point. My TAG responds uniquely to my wife's voice in terms of returned vocalizations, but on the other hand, still prefers me. When it comes to anecdotal word of mouth that parrots prefer women, it seems to me that the perspective would be skewed if the world of parrot keeping is dominated by women, or they are more vocal among parrot keepers...as I suspect. Not saying this with any negative connotation. It's just from what I observe as the majority on parrot forums gender-wise. Even the now defunct BirdTalk magazine seemed to know this. I have seen them run articles on makeovers as well as home decorating. Clearly playing to what they felt their audience base was.
I really think that anyone wanting a bird because they want it to love them is already on the wrong path. You get a bird to love.
Me and my wife felt this way when we got our first large parrot, in other words, we had love to give and didn't have any requirements. We already had budgies that were not tame and simply enjoyed caring for them. I can say that from what we knew, we
believed that affection would likely be returned to us in some way because they are, after all, social creatures.
But I have to admit that I don't believe the above quote to be realistic for several reasons. The first is that the idea of a pet to many includes having a "companion." We in fact call them "companion parrots." Unconditional love is touted as a benefit of pet ownership accross species.
I think that it's difficult enough to get through the rough patches with an animal like a parrot (in one's home) when the right human attitude
is there. When the human loves it, seeks help, and is willing to work with it. This can be seen here on several current threads dealing with problem screaming. But when the human household has an animal that is messy, loud, headstrong, who's presence and needs can dominate an entire house, I feel that the animal's chances of lasing in that home (and of being loved) are lessened if it is giving nothing back in return. Compounded by the fact that people will be exposed to countless online videos of affectionate or entertaining parrots and will wonder why theirs isn't "that way."
Even if that bird reciprocates affection to only one member, issues will most likely arise that cause the other family members to complain - putting the preferred human in a tough predicament. We've seen it on these forums. And from the birds perspective, avian welfare requires collective effort and understanding within a home.
I feel that wanting reciprocated love is just human nature. I don't think that people manage their relationships as a one-way street. But when it comes to pets, especially parrots as pets, I don't see people buying them to be Mother Teresa - doing charity work. Most have jobs, spouses, children, stress, worries, need down time, etc. And most will want something that fits into their family and household. In other words, to relieve some of that stress, as pets are known to do. And for most accomplishing that will mean positive interaction and affection.
What you are saying (if I understood you correctly) has the most chance of applying if the parrot was purchased
from the onset with the intention that it will be an aviary bird. And then if the parrot reaches out to the human for companionship after that, it will be a gift given.