How Do Birds Communicate With Humans?

Whether between two human beings or a person and a pet bird, the key to a successful and strong relationship is effective communication -- and a lot of it. Just as people do, birds employ a variety of vocalizations and body language techniques to get their desired messages across, from fear to giddiness.

  1. Wing Fluttering

    • Birds communicate using their wings for several different reasons. Your pet bird may flutter his wings as a means of encouraging you to notice or acknowledge his presence. He also may do so to show you that he's in a good and content mood. Birds also frequently convey satisfaction by grating their beaks.

    Sleek Feathers

    • If your pet bird's feathers appear sleek, then he may be communicating an uneasy, scared or cautious mood. When birds are comfortable, their feathers usually take on a soft and rumpled look. Birds also frequently express apprehension by taking on markedly erect body positioning.

    Barking

    • Bizarrely enough, some pet birds communicate feelings of enthusiasm by producing barking sounds that are not too dissimilar from those of canines. If your bird is barking, you have a rather hyper fellow on your hands.

    Expanding Tail

    • If a bird expands his tail, then it may be a sign that he is feeling pretty annoyed and upset by something. If his pupils alternate between getting bigger and smaller, then he may be preparing to bite. If you ever notice a bird displaying any of these body language signs, do not touch him or go closer to him. Play it safe and keep your distance -- this bird is not in a happy mood. If he's growling, you have even more reason to stay away.

    Waving Tail

    • If your bird waves his tail rapidly at the sight of you, then he is communicating a good old-fashioned amiable "hello" -- in stark contrast to the aforementioned expanding tail. This birdie is elated that you are around, and likes being near you.

    Snapping of the Beak

    • If you hear your bird making conspicuous beak snapping sounds, then he may be trying to tell you that he's feeling defensive or that he's worried about something on the horizon.

    High-Pitched Vocalization

    • When birds are on the younger side, they often produce rapid and high-pitched sounds as a means of requesting food. If your bird is doing this, then it may be a sign that the poor thing is hungry and ready to chow down. Up and down motions of the head also often signify hunger in avian youngsters.

    Hunching Posture

    • If you notice your bird hunching his body over, but with elevated wings and a loose physique, then he may be communicating to you that he wants you to interact with him.

    Puffy Feathers

    • When a bird's feathers appear unusually puffy, it sometimes is an indication of malaise. Birds that are unwell also frequently rest their bodies on single feet alone. Both of these things may be a sign that your bird is ill and needs you to take him to an avian veterinarian -- pronto.

    Trembling

    • A trembling bird often is simply an overwhelmed one, whether out of fear, anxiety or pure eagerness. By trembling, your bird may be attempting to convey any of those emotions to you. However, birds also occasional tremble during mating activities too.

    Whistling and Singing

    • If your bird feels at ease and is relaxed in his environment, he may indicate that to you by engaging in whistling and singing activities. Whistling and singing birds, for the most part, are worry-free.