Question Regarding Senegal Vocalizations

[owlyssa]

Hi, all! Hope everyone's well.

Kona and I are getting along very well! He can be quite vocal if he isn't getting his way or if I leave his line of sight, but we're otherwise enjoying getting to know each other.

Speaking of sounds, I had a quick, oddball question regarding a noise that Kona frequently makes. In addition to his expanding repertoire of squeaks, trills, screams, and more, I've noticed that he makes this guttural buzzing noise--almost like a bumblebee. It's usually when he's about to go to sleep, I believe. Is this a sort of grizzling noise, or a comfort thing? I'm just curious. I'm also looking forward to hearing Kona purr! I think I've heard him do it very briefly once, but nothing like Kili's purrs in one of the YouTube videos I've seen.

[Pajarita]

Yes, that's what it's called: purring! And, as far as I know, only senegals do it.

[owlyssa]

Yes, that's what it's called: purring! And, as far as I know, only senegals do it.

Holy crud!! Really?! I wasn't sure what the heck the little guy was doing, since it didn't sound like what I'd heard in the video with Kili. That's great! Here I was, all impatient for him to start doing it, and the little bugger's been doing it all this time. I love that Senegals can purr; it's so unexpectedly amazing. Thanks, Pajarita!!

[Pajarita]

Well, to be 100% honest, I don't really know how ornithologists call this sound they make. Purring is what parrot keepers call it but I am sure it has a more proper scientific name. And I love it, too!!!! It's one of the bird sounds that fills my heart with joy - another one is the song of a canary. These sounds actually have a noticeable physical effect on me which I always associate with endorphin release. I had cervical cancer and had to have a complete abdominal hysterectomy which is a very painful procedure to recuperate from as they actually take a bunch of organs out of your body so the very first days in the hospital, you are in a lot of pain and hooked up to a morphine drip. This drip continuously puts morphine into your bloodstream but it also has a little button thingie and, when you press the button, the drip releases a higher dosage of morphine (this is needed for when you move your position in bed because, when you do, it's like somebody is sticking a big knife in your gut!). And, when you hit the button, you immediately feel not only the pain diminishing but also a warmth flowing throughout your entire body as well as a psychological feeling of wellbeing -it, literally, makes your heart happy And that's the same feeling I get when I hear a bird singing or a Senegal purring!

[Wolf]

It could also be the sound of them grinding their beak together, which is also a contentment type of thing and they only do it when relaxed and very comfortable, it is a happy noise.