Need Help with a Rescue Conure?

Hi! I just recently came into possession of a Green Cheek Conure named Tico. At least that's what he responds to. We call him Tico Banderez. He is a rescue from a home where he was starting to bond with another bird, who was famous for drawing blood from kids younger than five. They didn't want his to start biting, so they removed him from the home. I haven't had much luck with Conures in the past, as the last one I had was referred to as "Devil Bird" by family and friends. But Tico isn't a biter, or a screamer, so I've had no problems. The only thing is, he recently started standing on top of his cage, only when I come around and talk to him, and he starts cleaning his feathers. He cleans his tail feathers, and makes little beep noises. But only when I sit and talk to him. I'm no bird expert, and I really would love to have a bird that isn't going to attack me. Can someone explain this for me?

He's trying to get to know you, acting casual cleaning his feathers but checking you out. Sit near him and just talk to him without staring directly too often. He likes you.

The fact that he is preening is good because he is not showing any aggression. He is relaxed and that is a great sign. Like the above post, I would keep talking to him and maybe at some point offer him a treat and see if he will come down and take it from you. The key to building a relationship with a bird is to build trust with time and patience and going at there pace. Sounds like things are going well all in all. Keep working with him and you will have a great companion there!