Growling Senegal

[Kim S]

I have a question about growling noises. I understand this is the parrots way to say: "I'm scared, stop what youre doing or I'll fly away/bite/become hysterical."
Yesterday Peewee growled at me while sitting on the couch. I was scratching his head before, then I reached over to get a drink. When I wanted to resume scratching he growled. I stopped and waited what was going to happen next( didn't pull back though). Peewee reached over and gently nipped my finger and then bent his head to be scratched.

He was sitting eyelevel with me (I have been using this a a reward since he loves to sit on your shoulder and I haven't figured out what food will make him do tricks).
There were no strange noises, movements (besides me bending over to get a drink and sit back again), and no previous funny incidents that could still be going around his mind.

Did I move too fast? I have the feeling that I caught him off guard or someting and when he realised it was me he wanted to make up, hence the gentle nip.
Or are there more meanings to the growling?

[kimbo]

my sennie growls at my nieces dog, hates it.

[Michael]

You sure it wasn't more like purring? My Senegal purrs when I pet her and she likes it.

[Kim S]

Purring... You're kidding right?
I must say, it didn't 'feel' agressive. And I think I know a bit about a birds body language.
But then again, I've never heard about a purring parrot before.

You dont happen to have Kili purring on video?

[Michael]

I don't think I do. I'll try to catch it but it's really hard. Only a handful of people have gotten to hear her do this cause she has to be really relaxed and happy. I'd have to video every time I pet her for like an entire week to potentially catch one time. But even then, you might not hear it. It's something between a sound and a feeling. You can only hear it really close but she definitely does it when she really enjoys some petting.

[Michael]

Ok, never mind. I walked in and caught Kili in a really happy mood so I grabbed my camera. She got really excited and started pinning and purring while I pet her and scratched her beak. There was a lot of noise from outside so I'm not sure if the sound was caught or not but she definitely did it a few times. So tonight if I have some time I'll throw it on the computer and see if I can make a video for youtube as a special treat for you guys.

[Kim S]

Sweeeet

She really loves the camera doesn't she

[Michael]

Nope. Just me

[lzver]

You sure it wasn't more like purring? My Senegal purrs when I pet her and she likes it.

Jessie also purrs when we're cuddling. I would compare it to a cat purring. To me its a sign that he's content and happy.

Never heard Jessie growl.

[TheNzJessie]

a purring bird? now thats awesome. i thought it was awesome when i was patting a fully grown cheetah and he started purring. but cheetahs also chirp like a bird. maybe there distant cousins