Understanding Your Cockatiel: How to interpret your bird's behavior.

Cockatiels are like infants in the sense that they cannot communicate how they are feeling, what they want, or if they like or do not like something. Your bird will communicate her feelings to you through her behavior and actions, and it is up to you to learn how to interpret what she is trying to tell you.

Every bird is different, but there are some specific behaviors that almost all cockatiels use to communicate with their owners.

• Screaming- cockatiels do this for a few different reasons: they are trying to get your attention, are afraid, or because of a change in the bird's routine. Cockatiels that are overly excited or not feeling well will scream. Screaming is considered normal when your bird does it because of danger, to call for you because they are in the other room, or after losing a mate. Loki often screams for me when I leave the room. Once I return she stops (she sure knows how to get her way).
• Biting- your bird is afraid. It is a response to a situation the bird is in. Your bird feels uneasy, nervous, and in danger; birds use this as a last resort.
• Hissing- your cockatiel will do this when she feels threatened, usually right before biting.
• Making a grinding sound with its beak- cockatiels do this when they are happy. Loki does this often when she sits with me. Cockatiels also do this before they go to sleep.
• Backing into a corner-the bird feels afraid and intimidated. The best thing to do is leave your bird alone until it comes out on its own, especially if it is a new bird.
• Fluffing up feathers and then shaking- your bird relieves stress by doing this.
• Fluffed up and tired all the time- your bird is sick.
• Puffed up- your bird is cold.
• Lifting one foot into the air- your bird is excited and wants you to take her out. Loki always does this when she wants to come out.
• Wagging its tail- your bird is happy and in a good mood; if she does it when you are near it means she loves you.
• Moving its crest (what I call Loki's mohawk) up and down- this is the best indication of how your bird is feeling. Birds are happy when they keep their crest relaxed, but not completely down. Aggression is marked by a crest that is completely flat on the head. A nervous or excited bird will raise its crest so that it is completely vertical.
• Slamming toys against its cage- birds do this when they are upset. Loki does this to her duck toy when she is angry because she cannot easily get to the millet inside.
• Sitting in food or water dish- birds do this for two different reasons: young birds do this to feel secure, while adult birds do this when they become hormonal.
• Hanging upside down- your cockatiel feels playful and happy. Birds also do this to stretch out their wings.

These are just some basic behaviors of cockatiels; however, each bird is unique and once you get to know your bird and her personality you will learn what she is trying to tell you.

In the mornings, Loki sits on my shoulder while I clean and refill her food and water dishes. Once the water is filled I hold up the dish for her to take a sip. She drinks, sometimes one sip, other times three sips. I never move the water dish until she makes her little chirp signaling to me that she is satisfied. I have learned how to interpret Loki's behavior.

It is in the best interest of both you and your bird to learn what she is trying to tell you.