Buzz
Similar to any other animal, a cockatiel (also known as a Malaysian Parrot or Australian Crested Parrot in Vietnam) communicates its emotions and state of mind through its body language. By paying close attention, you can discern whether the bird is upset or happy. Observing specific gestures of the cockatiel can be incredibly helpful.
Steps
Look for signs of contentment
Pay attention to tail wagging. Birds wag their tails, much like other pets. A cockatiel will move its tail back and forth, and this gesture typically indicates that the bird is happy.
Observe if the cockatiel moves toward you. If you are nearby and the bird approaches, it’s a sign that it’s happy to see you. However, it’s only genuinely pleased if it holds its head high while moving toward you, rather than lowering it.
Listen to the sounds. While not a gesture, cockatiels often vocalize when they’re happy. They may chirp, whistle, or make soft chattering noises.
Look for signs of irritation
Watch for blinking or pupil dilation. If the cockatiel suddenly widens its eyes, it could be a sign that the bird is angry. You should stop whatever you’re doing if you notice this warning sign.
Pay attention to the bird’s head and feathers. When a cockatiel is truly upset, it will lower its head. It might also puff up its feathers and fan out its tail.
- If the bird starts moving toward you in this state, it’s a clear sign that it wants you to back off.
Observe if the cockatiel is hanging upside down. This posture, combined with spreading its wings, often indicates that the bird is fiercely defending its territory. It might be time to step back if the bird assumes this stance when you’re near its cage.
Watch for biting behavior. Cockatiels may lunge forward if they intend to bite. They might also use their beaks to nip at you. Give the bird some space if it’s trying to bite.
Listen for hissing sounds. While hissing isn’t a gesture, it often accompanies aggressive actions, such as lunging. If you hear the cockatiel hiss, it might be preparing to bite.
Pay attention to wing flapping. Wing flapping, where the bird spreads its wings and moves them up and down, is often a sign of anger or discomfort. Try giving the bird some distance if you might be bothering it.
Check for attention-seeking behavior
Observe beak tapping. Some cockatiels, typically males, will tap their beaks forcefully against objects like shelves or their cages. They aim to grab the attention of objects or individuals they are fond of.
- Cockatiels may show affection toward objects, their own reflections, other birds, or even you.
- They might also whistle or lean toward the person or object they’re focusing on.
Watch for hopping behavior. Hopping is similar to beak tapping; it signifies that the cockatiel is seeking attention. However, after tapping, the bird may start hopping around, indicating a strong desire for your focus.
Listen for loud calls. Occasionally, cockatiels will perform other behaviors while emitting loud calls or squawks. This is another way they seek attention.
Pay attention to head bobbing. Head bobbing involves moving the head gently from side to side. It’s a subtle, rhythmic motion, often used to signal a desire for attention.
Look for the crest feathers. When a cockatiel is trying to attract a mate, it will raise the feathers on its head into a crest. Typically, the crest will have a small spiral shape at the top.
- However, the bird might also use this gesture to defend its territory.
Observe tail and wing feathers. Another attention-seeking behavior involves fanning out tail feathers, raising the crest on its head, and spreading its wings. The bird might also sway back and forth while whistling.
- Additionally, this gesture can also indicate that the cockatiel is defending its territory.
Recognize signs of illness
Check if the cockatiel is wagging its tail. When the bird is unwell, it may occasionally wag its tail. If you notice this behavior, it might be time to take the cockatiel to a veterinarian.
Observe perching behavior. The way the bird perches can indicate its health. A sick cockatiel may hunch over or perch at the bottom of the cage.
Watch for other signs of illness. While these aren’t strictly gestures, they can also signal the bird’s health status. For instance, the cockatiel might sneeze, sleep excessively, or lose its voice. It may also eat more or less than usual or suddenly drink more water. Additionally, its droppings might change in texture, color, or quantity.
