Parrots upset by seeing hawks out the window

[ParrotSnakeMan]

Just curious since my birds are pretty young, do parrots eventually realize hawks outside can’t get to them? My birds are both young and kind of panic if one flies by the window. Sometimes they fly off their perches shrieking in response to seeing them. They don’t seem to mind seeing other kinds of birds. But they seem very aware that these are predatory birds or thats how it appears to me.

 

[texsize]

I was watching a YT channel Alaska raptor center and they were showing a bald eagle.
I didn’t even know they were paying attention to the tv until the eagle ruffled its feathers.
It sent my amazon pair flying in a panic.

My Cockatiels use to panic when they would see the Raven family that has a nest in the next door neighbors back yard.
Eventually they got use to them flying close by.

It’s their nature to be fearful of predators but I think they will get desensitized to it.

 

[cnyguy]

My old Amazon George saw a hawk flying around a good distance from the window and he got very nervous. I was a little surprised that he recognized the hawk as a predator but he obviously did. I had to close the window blinds and partially cover George's cage and sit with him for quite a while before he calmed down. It was certainly an instinctive reaction.

 

[ParrotSnakeMan]

Makes sense, all instinct. Mine seem to forget about it pretty quickly once its out of sight thankfully

 

[rheashard2]

My CAG delights in mimicking the red tail hawk pair nesting around here. It seems to scare me more then her! My first CAG was the same. Both mimicked until the hawks dive bombed patio, backyard etc. I think it's a parrot idea of catch (eat) me if you can! When I hear a hawk indoors I know to ensure doors, windows, carrier (if used) are closed tight. A true avian predator is near. She also mimics the owls too. I hear them in backyard trees.

 

[DonnaBudgie]

My budgies see outdoor birds outside the windows all the time, small birds and large birds, but they don't seem to react to them in any fearful way. They're a pretty fearless bunch of spoiled rotten housemates.

 

[Macawdamia Nut]

A hawk used to perch regularly on a very tall pine tree behind my house. Even inside the house, my macaw would freeze for minutes when he heard the hawk scream. It was freaky! The hawk has moved on, so no more catatonic spells.

 

[rheashard2]

I am still wondering. Does a pet bird actually identify the hawk etc? Or is it a strange bird (especially large) in their line of sight or territory? I can't use my CAG. She mimics to get reactions be it dog/cat/hawk. Never thought about it before this thread.