The Signs of Aggression in a Budgie

Owning a budgie, which is short for "budgerigar" (Melopsittacus undulatus) can be a fulfilling and fun experience -- at least when the birdie is behaving. Although budgies often possess amiable and pleasant general temperaments, some of them can display aggressive behavioral patterns too, just as all other types of pet birds.

  1. Attempt to Appear Bigger

    • Similarly to many other varieties of animals, budgies in aggression mode usually attempt to take on bigger and more intimidating looks. They often do this by exhibiting extremely straight posture and conspicuously puffing out their feathers. They frequently lift their wings at the same time. If the feathers on the back of your budgie's neck are stiff and raised, it also could signify aggression, so don't dismiss it.

    Hissing

    • Hissing is a common sign of a budgie that is feeling upset and perhaps even is prepared to attack. If you ever hear your budgie hissing at a fellow bird in his living environment, immediately place the pair in different cages to be safe. Shrieking and growling sounds are also typical angry bird vocalizations, so take note. At the first hint of any aggression, hissing or anything else, birds should be promptly removed from each others' presence.

    Beak

    • If your budgie opens up his beak, he might be feeling aggressive, especially if he simultaneously produces squalling and whizzing sounds. If he thrusts his body forward, it also signifies aggression, and perhaps even the desire to partake in physical battle.

    Biting

    • Biting is a surefire indication of aggression in budgies and other pet birds. Birds frequently bite when they're feeling nervous, scared and defensive, too. It is especially common for birds to direct their biting towards other birds' feet, so always pay attention to that area.

    Wings

    • An aggressive budgie might flutter his wings in repeated downward and upward motions, as well. Apart from anger, this fluttering can also point to stress in budgies.

    Pupils

    • If you notice your budgie rapidly widening and narrowing her pupils, he's probably feeling fierce, so play it safe and leave him alone for the time. Never approach your pet bird when he displays any signs of aggression at all. Always be cautious and smart.

    Feather Plucking

    • When budgies pluck at the plumage of other birds, it usually is an indication of rising aggression. If you suspect that your budgie is pulling out your other pet's feathers, get them away from each other.

    Pursuit

    • If your budgie tirelessly runs after another bird in his cage, he may be targeting his aggression at the poor thing. If he bullies the other bird away from access to meals, that also is an overtly aggressive act.

    Swaying

    • Angry and frightened budgies sometimes display increasing feelings of aggression by swaying their bodies back and forth. If you notice this movement in your budgie, let him be for a while.

    Gender

    • You might notice that male budgies seem more laid-back than their female counterparts. The females of the species typically display fiercer behavioral patterns, indicates Animal Diversity Web of the University of Michigan.