The birds communicate in a complex and subtle way, using a variety of songs, of screaming and Physical behaviour to express their emotions, needs and intentions. For pet bird owners, it is essential to understand this language to better meet their needs and strengthen the link with them. Here's a decryption of birds' songs and behaviour to help you understand what they're trying to tell you.
1. Different types of songs and vocalizations
Birds use a variety of sounds to communicate, and each type of song or cry may have a particular meaning. Here are the main types of vocalizations that you can hear from your bird and what they mean.
A. The melodious song
Singing is mainly used by males, especially in species such as Canaries or Pine trees, to mark their territory or attract a partner. In pet birds, a regular song may be the sign that the bird is happy and in good health.
- Meaning : Well-being, happiness, territorial behavior or call to attract a partner (in males).
- When to hear : The melody song is often heard in the morning or in a quiet and secure environment.
B. The call screams
Call calls are short sounds, often issued at medium volume, to attract the attention of other birds or their owners. For example, inseparable or perch may make calls to indicate that he needs company or food.
- Meaning : Need attention, demand food, call his companion.
- When to hear : When the bird is alone, hungry or seeking interaction with its owner or another bird.
C. Sweet grass
The silt is a low and soft vocalization, often emitted when the bird is in mode relaxation or exploration. This sound usually shows that the bird feels good in its environment.
- Meaning : Contentment, calm, environmental exploration.
- When to hear : During moments of relaxation, observing the environment or interacting gently with its owners.
D. Strident or piercing screams
An acute and strident cry is often a distress sign or fear. If a bird is scared or feels threatened, it may make a piercing cry to warn of the presence of a danger or to express its discomfort.
- Meaning : Fear, stress, discomfort, pain.
- When to hear : When a bird feels threatened, it is afraid of a sudden noise or pain.
E. Imitative sounds
Some species of birds, such as parrots and calopsittesare able to imitate human sounds or words. This imitation ability is often used to attract attention or to play.
- Meaning : Want interaction, intelligence and curiosity, try to attract attention.
- When to hear : Birds often mimic sounds they find interesting, having heard these sounds or words several times in their environment.
2. Physical behaviour and its meaning
In addition to singing and vocalizing, birds communicate much through their posture, movements and body expressions. Learning to read these non-verbal signals can help you better understand their emotions.
A. Swelling of feathers
When your bird swells his feathersThis may have different meanings depending on the context. If this happens while it relaxes, it is usually a sign that it is comfortable and Free. However, a permanently swollen bird may indicate a health problem.
- Positive meaning : Relaxation, comfort, willingness to warm up.
- Negative meaning : Sickness, discomfort, stress (if the feathers remain swollen for a long time).
- When to observe : Temporary swelling of feathers often occurs after a nap or bath. Persistent swelling may require veterinary consultation.
B. The smoothing of feathers
The smoothing of feathers, or pre-washing, is a common behavior in birds. This is a grooming routine that allows the bird to keep its feathers in good condition. It's a sign that the bird is healthy and take care of him.
- Meaning : Wellness, personal care, normal routine.
- When to observe : Birds regularly smooth their feathers after eating, swimming, or relaxing.
C. Stretching of wings and legs
A bird that stretches wings or legs shows that it is relaxed and comfortable in its environment. This is a natural behavior that you will often observe when the bird is preparing to move or after a moment of rest.
- Meaning Relaxation, comfort, wake-up or transition to activity.
- When to observe : After a moment of rest, before flying or changing position in the cage.
D. Rapid wing beat without flying
If your bird quickly beats wings without flying, it may mean that it is excited, whether he's looking for attention, or just a little exercise. This can also be a sign of mental stimulation.
- Meaning : Excitation, exercise, request attention.
- When to observe : Before or after an interaction with the owner, or in response to external stimulation.
E. The swing or the head movement
Birds that swing your head front back, especially in parrots, often do so to attract attention or showexuberance. This behaviour is often observed in young birds.
- Meaning : Enthusiasm, demand attention, will to play.
- When to observe : Before social interaction, when the bird is excited or fun.
3. Stress/illness behaviours
It is important to know how to identify signs of stress or disease in your bird to react quickly and ensure its well-being. Some behaviours may indicate that he is not feeling well.
A. Picking (drawing feathers)
The pick is a behavior where the bird rips out its own feathers. This may be due to several reasons, including: stress,boredom, or medical problem. It is important to consult a veterinarian if your bird starts to pick up.
- Meaning : Stress, boredom, health problem (allergics, parasites, nutritional deficiency).
- When to observe : If your bird starts to pick up repeatedly, it requires immediate attention.
B. Agitation or constant displacement
A bird that constantly moves in its cage, without ever resting, may be a sign of stress orboredom. This may indicate a lack of mental or physical stimulation.
- Meaning : Stress, boredom, frustration.
- When to observe : If this behavior persists, it is important to introduce toys or offer more interaction to your bird.
C. Aggressive behaviour
A bird that mord or suddenly becomes aggressive may feel Threatened or territorial, or pain. Some birds become more aggressive during the breeding period.
- Meaning : Fear, pain, frustration, territorial instinct.
- When to observe : If aggressiveness persists, try to identify the triggers (new environment, new animals, breeding periods).
Summary table of bird behaviour and its significance
| Behaviour or vocalization | Meaning | When to observe |
|---|---|---|
| Sing melody | Happiness, well-being, territorial behaviour | Morning or quiet environment |
| Call cry | Need attention or food | When he is alone or hungry |
| Sweet gass | Relaxation, exploration | Moment of relaxation, interacting gently |
| Cri strident | Fear, stress, pain | In the event of danger or discomfort |
| Sound Imitation | Willingness of interaction, curiosity | In response to human noise or speech |
| Swelling of feathers | Comfort or discomfort depending on duration | After a bath or nap (normal), continuously (worrying) |
| Smoothing of feathers | Personal care, welfare | After eating or sleeping |
| Stretching of wings and legs | Comfort, relaxation | After rest or before flying |
| Wing beat without flying | Excitation, request for attention, exercise | During stimulation, before interaction |
| Piping feathers | Stress, boredom, illness | If observed frequently, consult a veterinarian |
| Excessive Agitation | Stress, boredom, lack of stimulation | In the event of an environment that is not stimulating or after a change |
| Aggressiveness | Fear, pain, territoriality | During breeding or in the presence of a disturbing element |
Understanding the language of birds is essential to maintain a healthy and harmonious relationship with your companion. Learning to decode vocalizations and behaviour of your bird, you will be able to meet its needs and ensure its physical and emotional well-being. Whether it's her melodious songs, her gestures of affection or her signs of stress, each behavior tells you a lot about the state of your bird.
