Behaviorial Observations

What have you observed and what is your theory behind the behavior. I would like to start a thread that compiles everyone's observations so that we can better understand our companions. They can be general bird behaviors or species specific. If you have a counter theory then please do share.

I have noticed that Chico when the sun starts to set becomes very clingy. He will, when on my shoulder, while out on a walk, move very close to my head and snuggle up to my mouth. I think that this is a flocking behavior. With the fading of light, eye sight becomes worst and flock safety becomes a concern. So at this time I would be sensitive toward our birds stress levels with this regard and make an effort to make them feel safe.

Head bobbing, I have read that this could be a sign of aggression. But I have also observed that it could be a sign of trust. I think that it may be a hold over from early feeding activities. I have caught myself bobbing my head at Chico and have not observed any aggression. I don't feel that Chico is threaten by this action. So is this a sign of aggression or a sign of trust?

Here is an Eclectus species specific observation. Chico has a fascination with my cedar lined pier cabinets surrounding my bed. He always wants to climb into them. He also likes my front loading clothes washer. I just noticed yesterday he has learned to slide open one of the drawers with his beak. I have learned that Ekkies make their nests in tree trunks so I am certain this is a nesting behavior. I have read not to allow such behavior as it could lead to aggression.

Does anyone have any aggression related observations and theories?

Bump.

Head down, leaning forward, slightly spread and fluttering wings. Excitement and/or preparation for flight.

Curiosity is a big thing with parrots I think. Sweet Pea loves to explore, she'll run over to cabinets and try to open them. If I'm carrying her, she will lean and flutter her wings towards every cabinet we pass. I open them and show her and with her eyes wide, she carefully looks everything over. I used to let her have playtime inside a lower cabinet that I just kept odds and ends in... but she turned out to be a female and it encouraged nesting behavior and she started laying eggs. So no more going into cabinets for her, poor thing! (the breeder told us she was a male, so for 9 years we thought we had a male, lol)

She expresses some of her wants and desires by speaking, lol. She's our only parrot and we speak to her a lot. So if she wants to go to bed, she'll say "nite-nite, wanna go nite nite". If she's hungry, she'll say "want some food? yum-yum"... When she's hanging out with us, she'll tell us she has to go potty by saying "gotta go potty". When she doesn't want something, she'll say "no". If she hears or sees something frightening out the window, she'll shriek and immediately shout "WHAT'S THAT!!"

Parrots have big personalities and they're such a delight to interact with. Oh, also I have noticed how observant they are... Sweet Pea's large cage sits in a corner of a room upstairs and across the room is a closet with mirrored doors. I can just glance at the mirror and see her, and she can tell I'm looking at her, and she says "HI!".

Bump, this is a great topic!

Ive only had Max for a few days so I cant say much. Just that hes an attenti listener when I talk to him, not sure if that means anything, lol.

Since Chico has shown an interest in your front loader, it would be wise you keep it closed at all times because just a small nick in the door seal will lead to a $200-$300 repair bill…..

Cedar lined cabinets are not places to let him play or hang out as cedar oils/chips has been linked to plucking, chewing & self-mutilatation. Chicks that have been nested in cedar, redwood and/or pine shavings have received blistered skin , while others have died from allergic reactions…..

It's gonna be really hard to get "accurate" data on this, while in general they're all birds, different breeds exhibit different behaviors as does the personality of said bird.

What have you observed and what is your theory behind the behavior.

Click to expand...

I honestly think the only way to interpret this is to study the individual bird in question to read the body language and comprehend what it signifies. You can start with known generalizations but each bird will/can deviate from the norm.

We have 5 birds, each of their body language is different depending on the situation, you just need to remember and learn what actions the bird takes when they exhibit certain "signs". You have to watch/observe every aspect of the bird's "signals" to truly understand them and their behavior

I go by the eyes and feather situation myself.