The meaning of head bobbing?

[snakesentwined]

Any bird psychologists know what it might mean when your parrot (in this case an Amazon) repeatedly and excitedly bobs/throws their head back over their shoulder whilst making short percussive squarks or panting-like noises...?

Isis does this, most often when she gets excited - it's almost always when she has just flown to a high perch or the top of a door - and is sometimes accompanied by a flared tail or wings held slightly out. She doesn't seem upset or angry though - and it's not normally accompanied by any agressive behaviour.

I've had a look in the various books on parrot body-language but can't find anything that describes the exact behaviour she's doing; I'm guessing that it's a show of excitement and possibly also a bit of territorial displaying, but I'd be curious to know for sure.

[kaylayuh]

My GCC does this when he's particularly happy or excited about something. Usually he does it after I scritch under his beak. I've always just assumed he was really happy.

[zazanomore]

Einstein will sometimes do it. Only when he's really happy.

I've seen the budgies do it to each other.

But I have no clue what it means.

[coral]

my blue headed pionus will do this when hes really excited and happy. just normal head bobbing he'll do when hes very angry i guess its all about their body language?

[Vikki]

My Harlequin and my Jardine's both do this and like everyone else, its when they are happy or excited. I've come to learn that it means simply that they want your attention, kind of like gesturing to someone with your head and saying "Come over here!"

[imaplayinfool]

Stacie YN Amazon does this to incite play and attention she will also mock bite at her own leg I find it quite funny and laugh along with her. When my amazons learn a new thing or just want their own playtime this behavior is not uncommon, I just join in on the fun.

[CheekyandMalolo]

Our GCC's do this, I just figure they're dancing

[Nevermore]

My GCC does this too. He's got me trained as well, I'll sometimes find myself bobbing my head along with him when he starts.

No idea what it means. But its cute.

[Ilovebirds]

Amy, Sun shine, and sunny do that when they are happy.

[liz]

Rambo and Myrtle (Amazons) do that "happy dance" when they are excited to see someone or are please with something they just broke.