I wonder why he does that? What it means?

[Cthebird]

I don't know if it is specific to Hahn's macaws, or if all macaws do it, or just my little guy, but he does something that my old Pacific Parrotlet and budgie didn't do. He sometimes opens his beak and almost looks like he is pretending to say something, but the only sound that comes out is an exhaling like sound like a "Heh, heh" (or almost a dog panting sound). He's perfectly happy when he does it, so it's not a threat gesture. He's not hot, and it isn't the same as an actual pant from overheating. It has nothing to do with us touching him, because he only does it when we aren't touching him. He only does it when we're talking to him.

Does something like this sound familiar? If it is, do you know why he does that? Is it him just pretending to say something silently? A gesture of excitement or contentment? Other?

 

[bill_e]

My Hawk Head huffs or hisses (much like a heh, heh)but it is a threatening gesture. Maybe it's a crop thing like being discussed in another thread??

Is it possible he's trying to mimic you? I know my Nike will sit on my hand and try to make any sound that I do. I love to make her growl.

 

[Dibaltic]

My Greenwing does this noise. My sun conure doesn't make this noise though. My macaw makes this same panting noise when he gets excited it seems.

I thought it was weird too, nice to know someone else's bird makes a similar noise

 

[Cthebird]

Yes, I really think it is either a mild excitement or silent mimicry. He especially does it when we're trying to teach him new words or sounds.