My 8yo military macaw won't say much when he knows someone is watching him. He will utter a very coarse "birdlike" repeat of "Hey, Rick!," which is how I usually greet him. But, when I'm out of sight, he speaks extremely clearly (and somewhat quietly). When I come back into view, he reverts back to "playing dumb" (literally, and figuratively). Is he messing with me? He isn't very shy, nor is he very agressive. He loves to show off, except vocally.