Parrots use their beaks like a limb; it’s used for critical day to day tasks like movement, eating, playing with toys and more. For new parrot owners, one behavior you’ll encounter eventually is biting. Even though your bird might be grabbing you with their beak, this can have different meanings. In this blog, we’ll cover the differences between the two main types – Biting vs. Beaking.
Biting😣
How do I know if my Parrot is Biting?
Biting hurts!! 😭You’ll know when it happens. Often times a bite will leave an imprint on the skin, deep bruises or in the worse cases get past your skin and draw blood. The signs of damage are very clear.
Biting can be serious so if it does happen to you be sure to apply proper first aid to the wound and if needed consult a doctor to get stiches. Below are a few examples of minor bites. To get a better picture of the range and level of severity a parrot bite can be take a look at Feathered Angel’s collection (Bird Bites….They can and DO happen!). Fair warning it is not for sensitive viewers!
What could it mean?
Biting is a definitive sign of aggression, but more importantly it is the parrot’s way of communicating to you about their boundaries or discomfort. They are lashing out for a reason; most likely because we didn’t catch in time their early warning signs.
To understand the different types of aggression and how to tackle them, check out ‘Your Guide to Aggressive Behavior in Parrots‘.
Warning Signs
As Anakin in Star Wars once said to his apprentice, ‘The best way I can protect you, is to teach you to protect yourself’.
There are some common warning signs that your parrot is on edge and that a bite might be coming if we don’t see them. For example:
- Pupil Dilation/Contracting (aka. Eye Pinning) – this indicates excitement or agitation
- Feather Change – a sudden change either getting very fluffy or feathers slick back. Fluffy is more commonly a defensive/aggressive posture. Slick back feathers is more commonly a fear response
- Vocalization – When agitated three common sounds you will hear are growls, beak clicking and hissing
- Wing Flaring – Just like a bear if a bird is on the attack mode, they might make themselves look bigger by flaring their wings
- Running – Depending on their personality, our more skittish friends might literally run away from you.
- Warning Attacks – Often before an official bite, a parrots last resort will be to lunge at you and try to bite. This is a clear warning.
How to Tackle Biting
In one of my earliest blogs, 10 Things you MUST know before getting a Parrot, I wrote that parrot parenting is a two way street. There will be times when you will be able to train them to stop biting or less fearful. However, more often than not you will need to train yourself to recognize the personality and boundaries of your feathered friend.
In ‘Your Guide to Aggressive Behavior in Parrots‘, there is a lot of detail in tackling specific types of aggression. These can include fear based, territorial, conditioned and more. However, if you aren’t sure what type of aggression it is, follow these simple rules:
- Pause ✋- Don’t fully back off, and certainly don’t move forward or force interaction
- Remove Your Hands From The Danger Zone – You don’t want to get bitten, so make sure you’re at a good distance from your parrot
- Give space and speak calmy – Birds will match your energy. So, if you’re clearly agitated or overexcited they will mirror that energy
- Observe and Analyze – Silently watch them and allow them to get comfortable. Analyze what might’ve caused the warning signs
Beaking 🥰
How do I know if my Parrot is Beaking?
Beaking is entirely different from biting since it comes from a positive place and energy. Although beaking can be slightly uncomfortable to a person because beaks are sharp and will definitely poke the skin. You’ll know your parrot is beaking if they are grabbing on but being gentle about it, they might even make light nibbles.
Remember that a small bird could easily exert 200–350 PSI (pounds per square inch) of force which can definitely gouge human flesh. A large parrot can exceed over 700 PSI! That’s enough to even break bones. So, if they wanted to hurt you, they would because they have some serious strength .💪
Example of Beaking (Credits: Manuela Schewe-Behnisch)
What could it mean?
Beaking is a good thing! First and foremost it means that they are comfortable. If they were not comfortable, you’d see the warning signs of biting. Depending on the situation you are in, beaking could mean:
- Curiosity – A bird beaking on a new object would look like they are gently nibbling it. They are curious and testing it out. For people that’d be like grabbing a new object with our hands to look at it.
- Love & Affection – If you’re cuddling with your parrot, beaking is gentle and they are often fluffy. This is their way of holding your hand.
- Play – If you’re playing with your parrot, sometimes they might grab onto your hand with their beak. If they are playing, you might also see them try to grab for your hand with their feet. This is as if they were wrestling with you.
Last Thoughts
I hope that this blog has been helpful in understanding the main difference between biting and peaking in parrots.
With biting it might be frustrating in the beginning because it is hard to understand our companions but don’t worry with time this will change as you both learn. If you need help, please reach out to our community. Although it may hurt, do not be afraid and be gentle in re-engaging your bird. Over time, I am learning that a key part of parrot mindset is maintaining security and control, so do not let in. We wouldn’t want a toxic relationship!
If you are seeing beaking, then I am so happy for you! Your parrot is relaxed and trusts you, that is a hard thing to earn so celebrate that! 🥳
Do you have experience with both types of behavior? What do you think is the difference and do you have any tips for our community? Let me know on the thread!
