Understanding Parakeet Body Language

Parakeets are often considered moody pet birds: sometimes, they can be extremely playful and amusing. Sometimes they may seem upset and disturbed. 

Sometimes it’s obvious to understand them, and sometimes it’s tricky to guess what they want. 

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Understanding your pet bird’s body language is the key to knowing her wants and needs. Though different species have different ways to express themselves through their body language, a few behaviors could be noticed in the Parakeets. 

Every part of its body, including its voice, has something to say. 

Let’s understand your Parakeet’s body language in a bit more detailed. 

The Vocal Signs

Parakeets use numerous vocalisations to communicate with their loved ones. 

Talking and singing habits

These vocals indicate that your little friend is in a good mood and in good health. They even whistle and talk with friendly people. Though there are a few Parakeets who hardly talk when others are around. 

Soft Growl 

To know the exact reason for this expression, you must consider its overall body language and the environment. 

Aggressive Growling

As opposed to a soft growl, growling is a sign of attack. If you find your pet growling, try to figure out what’s causing this problem. There might be something disturbing in the environment that needs to be removed. Moreover, it would help if you never tried to touch a growling Parakeet. 

Chatter 

Tongue Clicking

Tongue clicking is what Parakeets do against their beak when they want to entertain themselves or want to be petted. 

Understanding Parakeet’s Eye Movements 

Parakeets have a unique ability to shrink and enlarge their pupils quickly. This is often termed as ” flashing “. 

This gesture indicates either she is feeling excited about something or maybe she is afraid of something. Anger can also be the cause here. 

The key is to observe her overall body language and the environment to understand this behaviour appropriately. 

Understanding Parakeet’s Feather Movements  

A Parakeet’s feathers also have a lot to say about her body language.

Fluffed feathers

Parakeets often fluff their feathers while preening. This cleans the dirt from their feathers. Fluffed feathers can also be a sign of relieving stress. 

And in some cases, this may be a symptom of illness which means she needs a health check-up. 

Quivering Moves

Quivering can be a sign of fear or overexcitement. 

Understanding Parakeet’s Expressive Wings 

Wings can also be used for communication. Here’s how : 

Flipping

Flipping is also done to fluff feathers. When you notice head movements and shoulder hunching in addition to wings flipping, this often means that your pet bird is hungry or seeking attention. 

Flipping can also be a sign of mating. In such cases, you must avoid giving them attention, or this will stimulate the egg-laying process in them. 

Flapping 

Drooping

Drooping in young Parakeets indicate they are learning to fold their wings. In older Parakeets, drooping is a sign of sickness. They also droop their wings after taking a bath. 

Understanding What Parakeet’s Tail Tells 

Even the tail feathers of these birds have something to say. 

Tail Flipping 

Tail Wagging

Parakeets wag their tail to express a sense of contentment, indicating they’re happy to see you.

Bobbing 

Fanning

Spreading and fanning the tail indicates your Parakeet is not in a good mood. This behaviour is often noticed when they seem angry or aggressive.  

But if you notice tail bobbing and rapid breathing in her without any activity, this might be a sign of a respiratory illness. This means she needs the vet’s attention. 

Understanding Parakeet’s Head And Beak Movements 

Parakeets often use their beaks and heads to express their feelings. 

Beak Clicking

Clicking once followed by eye pinning is a sign of greeting or acknowledgement. 

If clicking continues several times, it may be a sign that you should not try to touch her. 

Beak Grinding

Beak grinding can imply a sense of contentment in Parakeets and is often heard when asleep. 

Beak Wiping

Beak wiping can be commonly seen in Parakeets, and it’s done to clean their beaks after having meals. 

Biting 

There can be many reasons for this behaviour, and it’s advised to observe their immediate environment and overall demeanour to know the actual cause. 

Biting can be a symbol of fear or anger in your Parakeet.  

Chewing

Parakeets often chew to condition their beaks and to get entertained. 

Head Bobbing

Head bobbing can be a sign of seeking attention. 

Understanding Parakeet’s Overall Body Postures 

This is perhaps the most critical factor to determine what your Parakeet is trying to convey. 

Bowing Gesture

When the Parakeet crouches while bending her head downward, this indicates she needs your attention and wants to be petted.

Relaxed Gesture 

When your Parakeet is in a happy mood, she will keep her head and body relaxed. 

Aggression

If you notice fluffed feathers and a rigid body with eyes pinning, this is a warning sign that she is aggressive and may even bite you if provoked. 

It’s better to stay away from such situations until things get back to normal. 

Heads down posture

If you notice any sign of crouching in your pet bird with her head down and a relaxed body, this indicates she is seeking attention. 

Understanding Parakeet’s Legs And Feet Movements 

Though legs and feet don’t have much to say, there can be some postures that can indicate your Parakeet is trying to convey something. 

Tapping of the foot

Some birds will tap their foot, indicating dominance on their territory. 

This behaviour is often witnessed when their territory is threatened.

Weakness in legs 

This is a posture that indicates they want to go back to their cage. That’s their way of resisting. 

You can pet your Parakeet for some time, and when she gets adequate attention of yours, it’s time to put her back to the cage. 

Upside down posture 

This is considered to be a natural behaviour and signifies that she is pretty satisfied with her environment.

Conclusion

Parakeets have a lot to say about their body and body parts. 

Though some behaviours could be easily noticed and may seem obvious, other body movements could interpret a different story that requires experience and attention to be understood. 

It would help if you gave enough attention and time to your little friend to read their body movements.

The more you observe her body’s subtle gestures, the more you’ll understand what your Parakeet is trying to convey. 

This makes the relationship with your fellow bird stronger.