Page Title

A majority of bird behavior problems are caused by the lack of
clear, consistent communication between bird and human.
Human reliance on language compromises the average person’s
ability to read body language and vocalization in avian
companions. The tendency to attribute human intentions to bird
behavior cultivates misperceptions about what motivates our
companion birds. As a bird behaviorist, I am often introduced to
one very confused human describing the bird problem while one
very frustrated bird looks on. Though there are many fine, clearly
written guides to bird behavior in print or online, many individuals
have difficulty applying the information in their own lives. A few
simple strategies can help anyone communicate more effectively
with birds; success lies in clear consistent bird handling
techniques coupled with thoughtful self-awareness.

Those of us who are accustomed to living with dogs and cats
must make a behavioral compromise when living with birds. The
breeding of cage birds as human companions has enhanced
certain qualities of personality and sociability but birds are not fully
domesticated pets. Cage birds are prey animals unlike our pet
predators – cats and dogs. Prey animals such as birds generally
rely on safety in numbers in the wild; they have relied on this
strategy for thousands and thousands of years. Their motivating
behaviors and social structures are beautifully designed to stave
off predation by other animals. Because we have bred birds in
captivity over a period of time and multiple generations does not
mean we have bred all the wildness out of a bird, or its inherent
prey animal perspective on life.

Given the delightful, comical behaviors and intelligence displayed
by companion birds, it is easy for people to assume birds are
motivated in ways that are similar or identical to humans. What
motivates a bird’s behavior is far different than many people
expect. Assumptions can create difficult challenges in the bird to
human interactions.

It is encouraging to see - among participants in my bird behavior
classes and private clients - how many people have the instincts
and motivation to learn how birds naturally behave and why. Those
who choose to live with companion birds deserve adequate
instruction and support while constructing a healthy long-term
relationship with a bird, and thereon after.

A foundation for clear and mutual understanding is built on how a
bird is approached and picked up. This particular activity either
reinforces mutual trust or sets up a cycle of miscommunication
that can lead to biting and difficulty handling the bird in general.
Paying close attention to your attitude, body language, approach
and technique is the key to ongoing good relations with your bird.

The first item to take into account is your mood. If you are tired,
grumpy, distracted by hunger, impatient, or irritated, now is
probably not the time to handle your bird. In fact, it may not be the
time to seek out your bird at all. Our feathered companions are
very sensitive to our moods, and observant of our behaviors, and
will respond or react accordingly. This ability relates to their keen
senses in the wild, where vigilant awareness of what is in the
birds’ presence at all times can mean the difference between life
and death. Even if you have established a loving relationship with
your bird, these instincts of self-preservation will override all else
to some degree or another. An unexpected bite is sometimes
delivered when a distracted person absentmindedly scoops up a
bird. We are often unaware that our eyes are set in our faces like
other predators. If we use our eyes to stare at birds rather than
softly observe them, we become more threatening. Like other
predators, we often approach birds directly from the front, which
can be perceived as confrontational and or threatening. If our
mood is ambiguous, and we approach too directly, our intentions .
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© 2008 SUSAN W. FARLOW
CF Professional Bird Behaviorist

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About the Author
Susan W. Farlow owns a bird behavior consultation business, Jacot
Unlimited, which provides services to parrot owners, bird clubs and
organizations. She appears in radio and television shows, including
National Geographic Explorer, and she lectures widely on bird
behavior. Sue has served as a behavior consultant to Dr. Irene
Pepperberg in her language work with African Grey parrots at MIT and
Brandeis University. The avian advisory consultant for the internationally
exhibited art installation project, MAYPORE, her account of the project
has appeared in Amazona Quarterly and online at
www.parrotchronicles.com (issue 6, 2002). Her articles have also
appeared in Cockatiel & Parakeet World magazine as the former bird
behavior columnist.

A strong commitment to wildlife education brings her consultation and
volunteer support to Wind-Over-Wings, a raptor rehabilitation and
education center in Clinton CT. Sue is a former social worker and also
completed a 2-year advanced training in Spiritual Psychology in 2003.
In addition to her bird behavior work, she provides bereavement
support for individuals coping with dying or deceased companion
animals.

c. 2007 Sandra Trottier