Bird Body Language Explained – Is Your Bird Bored?

Some pets are really easy to read. A dog wagging his tail is a clear sign that they’re happy, a cat with an arched back is clearly in distress, but what about birds. They often have very subtle body language, so we’ve put together this guide so you can better understand what your pet bird may be thinking and react accordingly.

• Green = Positive Bird Body Language
• Yellow = Mixed Bird Body Language
• Red = Negative Bird Body Language

Vocal Bird Body Language

Singing, Talking or Whistling These are clear signs that your bird is in a happy mood and is healthy and content. Some birds may show off and do this more when near people. Chatter Soft chatter is another sign of contentment, or can just be your bird attempting and learning to talk. If the chatter is louder it may be to get your attention and let you know they’re in the vicinity. Tongue Clicking Clicking their tongue against their beak may be a sign that they want to be petted or picked up, or simply entertaining themselves. Growling Growling birds should be avoided. Check their environment for anything that may be bothering them and remove it. Don’t try to approach the bird when they are doing this. Screaming Screeching and screaming could be a sign that your bird is desperate for your attention. Make sure to pay your bird some attention whenever you are near their home to make them feel loved as they are very social animals.

Wing Bird Body Language

Flapping Flapping their wings can mean a few things. They could be exercising, trying to get your attention or just letting you know that they’re happy. A single extension of the wings may be to cool themselves or stretch. Drooping Young bird’s wings droop because they’re still learning to tuck them in. Older birds however may be showing signs of illness. If your bird has just physically exerted itself or recently bathed, they may be doing this from tiredness or to let them dry.

Feathers Bird Body Language

Ruffled Birds will fluff up their feathers during their preening process which helps remove dirt and keep themselves clean.  It may also be a sign that they are relieving tension or that they are cold, or if they remain consistently ruffled, of illness. Picking If your bird obsessively picks their feathers it could indicate that they are bored and trying to find something to do to stimulate themselves. Make sure to refresh their range of bird toys often. Also make sure that they are handled and have contact with their owner. If this behaviour persists it could be a sign of illness and they should be taken straight to a vet. Crest If your bird has a larger crest, watching it’s position can tell you what they’re thinking. If they are excited, the crest will often be raised, however if the crest is really high, it could mean that they fear something, so proceed with caution. Holding their crest flat while crouching or growling can also indicate that they are angry. Quivering This could mean a couple of things, they may be frightened, too excited…or a part of their normal breeding behaviour.

Tail Bird Body Language

Wagging A sign of two things, they’re either happy to see you, or about to defecate, so proceed with caution. Fanning Out This is usually a sign of aggression and is your bird’s way of showing how strong and angry they are.

Legs & Feet Bird Body Language

Tapping Some birds tap their feet in order to show their territory, this is often an aggressive gesture. Hanging Upside Down A few birds will do this to indicate that they are happy and content with their environment. Scratching Some birds that in the wild would forage on the floor for food will scratch the cage floor with their feet.

Beak & Head Bird Body Language

Clicking If they click their beak once and is otherwise unthreatening, they are usually acknowledging you. However if their are several clicks they are warning you and they should not be handled. Biting It’s important to determine the reason behind this negative behaviour. Investigate their environment and try and find what may be upsetting them, they may be defending their territory. Your bird may also be bored or jealous of other birds in the cage. Make sure they have enough toys in their cage and interact with all your birds equally as much as you can. Chewing Chewing is behaviour that should be encouraged with a variety of bird toys. It helps to condition their beaks and to entertain themselves. Birds provided with these toys will focus their attention on them and not inappropriate things. If they are being destructive to things they’re not supposed to, it’s a strong indicator that they are bored. Offering treats, interacting with them, teaching them tricks and offering them new bird toys will help solve this behaviour. Regurgitating Birds regurgitate their food into their young’s mouths to feed them, and so if your bird does this for you, it means they care for you greatly and are trying to look after you. It’s a sweet, but disgusting gesture. Bobbing Birds that bob their head are just asking for attention and may feel ignored.

Posture Bird Body Language

Bowing If their head is crouched towards you, they are simply offering their head for you to scratch or pet. Lying on Back Some birds lie on their back at the bottom of their cage when sleeping, and so you shouldn’t instantly think that this position is a negative one. Look into the kind of bird you have and whether this behaviour is normal for their species.]]>