How Pet Birds Communicate

While there's no misunderstanding the happy wag of a puppy's tail or the content stretch of a fluffy cat, understanding the communication efforts of a pet bird takes talent. Or, at least a keen attention to detail. Each ruffle of the feathers, glean of the eyes and squawk has meaning.

The Eyes Have It
Look deep into the pet bird's eyes. A bird communicates by rapidly changing the size of his iris--which he can control--unlike humans.

"Flashing" or "pinning" of the eyes doesn't have one simple meaning. When combined with other communication cues, the iris dilation expresses excitement, aggression or nervousness, according to Theresa Jordan, author of "Understanding Your Bird's Body Language."

Birds Vocalize
Birds have a vocal repertoire akin to a trained opera singer. From long trills to short barking-style squawks and low delicate chatters, birds openly vocalize.

In the wild, the myriad of sounds warns of impending danger, attracts mates and allows for socialization among neighboring birds.

Domesticated pet birds have adapted their vocal abilities to life with humans, other pets and caged-life.

Content and happy birds sing, talk, chatter or whistle at in a pleasant tone and volume, according to Doctors Foster and Smith article"Understanding Bird Body Language: What Your Parrot or Your Other Bird is Trying to Tell You."

Birds that pursue continual loud chatter may be learning to vocalize human words. A bird sings himself to sleep with soft, delicate chatter. When annoyed, the chatter turns into a low-humming purr. Interpret a bird's purr like a dog's growl. Treat this vocalization as a warning.

If the purr turns into a louder growling sound and the birds eye are dilated, do not pick up the bird and check his environment for something offensive. A stare down between with the family dog or sighting the dreaded toe-nail clippers might cause the growling.

All Those Feathers
A bird fluffs his feathers when content and at rest. Happy birds exhibit small pupils, combined with fluffed feathers and a low purr.

Wing flapping means the bird wants attention, needs to cool down or he is simply rearranging his feathers to make his appearance more neat and tidy.

If an adult bird's wings begin to droop, rather than being held neatly tucked against the body, the bird may be communicating symptoms of an illness. When combined with dull eyes, lethargy or lack of appetite, the bird requires veterinary attention immediately.

References and Suggested Reading:
Doctors Foster and Smith,"Understanding Bird Body Language: What Your Parrot or Your Other Bird is Trying to Tell You", Pet Education
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=15+1795&aid=3334

Theresa Jordan, "Understanding Your Bird's Body Language", Winged Wisdom E-Zine
http://www.birdsnways.com/wisdom/ww15eii.htm

Hilary S. Stern DVM, "Caring for Your Pet Bird", For the Birds
http://www.forthebirdsdvm.com/pages/caring-for-your-pet-bird

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