Head Bobbing

[Animal]

My new Green Cheek Conures bob their heads every now and then when people are in the room so I was wondering what that meant.

I've read that it means they want attention so I've been going over to them and talking to them and whistling to them (they have a hard sound to imitate lol) but I don't know if that's what they want. Can you guys think of anything else they would want or why they're bobbing their heads (they already have food, water, toys, etc.)?

 

[kargo50]

Baby birds have to bob their heads to eat properly. Many adult birds bob their heads, too. It could just be a leftover habit. My conure does it all the time.

 

[parrotqueen]

It's one of the bird's ways of getting your attention. My cockatiels do this too, and they sing at the same time. The more you walk up to them while they're doing it, the more they will do it. Because they will realize that doing this makes you come over and talk to them.

 

[genevieve]

It can be a sign of aggression. When the days started getting longer, Alcatraz had a few weeks where he didn't want to be held very often. If I got too close, his pupils would suddenly dilate and he'd start bobbing his head.

 

[HRH Di]

Max never bobs his head, and Jade doesn't really bob but shifts it from side to side all the while kind of looking out of the corner of her eye at you. These are really quick shifts (think the Egyptian dancers on the Steve Martin "King Tut" video). Then she bonks her beak on her nearest favorite thing, such as her favorite pan on the pan rack in the kitchen, me, my husband, the coffee table, etc.

I suspect the head shifting could be a sign of - not really aggression - but maybe just "don't push me" kind of attitude. We've been told the bonking is laying claim to what she believes is hers...her pan, my husband, me, the coffee table, Max's perch, her perch, our yellow lab, the sofa, etc.

 

[antoinette]

All the above post are quite correct. Must really be confusing for you.
There could be a number of reasons for the head bobbing.
My 1st AG Congo did it out of aggression.
My 2nd AG Gigi, just loved dancing, as well as after eating.
Mishka my AG now, does it to draw attention.
Take note, and sure enough you will figure it out.

 

[Spiritbird]

So what you look for to see if bird is stressed is head bobbing with pinning of the eyes. Correct??

 

[antoinette]

So what you look for to see if bird is stressed is head bobbing with pinning of the eyes. Correct??

Congo's eyes looked evil, honestly. We eventually got used to it.

 

[Animal]

Thanks for the replies!

I'll have to see if their eyes are dilated next time they bob they're heads to see if they're doing it out of aggression.

 

[Spiritbird]

Pinning of the eyes is going from pinpoint to dialation. Not just dialated. It is usually a sign of "watch out I am going to bite you"

 

[Oogies Mom]

My conure head bobs all the time. Especially when she's excited about something, or she sees me doing it.

 

[Ratzy]

My budgies bob they're heads when feeding each other. I don't know if it is the same with conures, but with budgies it is out of affection. Baby birds also bob they're heads when being fed.

 

[Marnie]

my yr old Sennie does this, its usually when she is very happy. if i talk to her and make a fuss, it turns from bobbing to a kind of undulating movement till she brings up
a chunk of food! ewww
so now when i see her start to "undulate" i walk away. i don't apprceiate her gifts i guess.

 

[Animal]

I think my birds do it out of aggression. When they bob their heads they usually both go to the front of the cage and start shaking a little and shaking their tails and start to squawk.

I'm getting their wings clipped tomorrow so I'll let them settle down for a few more days and then I'll start trying to work with them.

 

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Hi, I have a female Blue Crowned that does the head thing as a form of greeting and to be charming She does it to all new people if they are paying attention to her of telling her she is pretty. She fluffs up her feathers and looks very sweet and friendly till they try and touch her....