Why Do Cockatoos Dance?

Many people know that some pet birds can be trained to talk, but their dancing skills may be a little more under wraps. Cockatoos are particularly strong dancers and, oddly enough, they dance for pretty much the same reasons people do. These wacky birds just love to have fun.

  1. Playing Around

    • If your pet cockatoo is in a good mood, don't be shocked if he starts busting out all of his finest dance club stylings -- especially if you have some upbeat music playing in the background. When cockatoos feel lively, energetic and happy, they sometimes start moving their feathered physiques around as a way not only of letting off steam, but also of interacting with you and possibly even getting an enthusiastic reaction. Cockatoos thrive on attention from their favorite humans.

    Signature Dances

    • Cockatoos occasionally move their heads up and down while dancing, and often even push their limbs up. They also sometimes tap their feet onto the ground -- all seemingly in perfect time with the beat of the tunes. Other common cockatoo dancing styles include whirling around and theatrical fluttering their wings -- both things that may seem startling upon first sighting.

    Attempt to Get Attention

    • Although cockatoo dancing is often just a spirited expression of vitality and joy, it also can occasionally mean something decidedly more typical -- the desire for attention. If you notice your birdie lingering toward the front of his cage, all the while bobbing his head around in a dance-like manner, it may be a sign that he wants you to acknowledge him. Perhaps he wants a treat. Perhaps he wants to play. The point is, he's asking you to look at him.

    Dancing Skills in Animals

    • The bulk of animals out in the world do not possess the ability to absorb information in a vocal manner. Although other members of the animal kingdom cannot copy every voice and household appliance they hear, cockatoos do have this rare ability. They can do this because their motor and hearing skills are tightly intertwined, notes Dr. Aniruddh Patel via the American Psychological Association. Apart from cockatoos, dolphins may also have this capability.