Cockatiels are one of the most popular pet birds in the world. They are very beautiful and can be trained to talk and perform tricks. The cockatiel’s head bob is crucial for them to communicate with their owners. They often do this when they want something, like food or attention.

Continue reading to discover why cockatiels bob their heads, plus the times when you might need to consult with a vet. And discover whether one gender of cockatiel is more likely to bob its head than the other.

How Often Will A Cockatiel Bob Their Head?

Cockatiels have a very expressive head bob, which they use to communicate several different messages to their owners and other birds.

One common reason for the cockatiel’s head bob is to greet its owner. They do this by moving their head up and down in a vertical motion, sometimes with a side-to-side motion. The cockatiels head bob indicates happiness to see the person who owns them.

In addition, male cockatiels show their interest in females by doing a head bob as they approach the female. Head bobs are usually done while approaching the female, but they can also be done in her presence. The male will keep his head down, bob his head up and down, and then look up at the female before repeating this process.

The head bob is often seen as a sign of happiness. It’s also an invitation to play or interact with the cockatiel. Cockatiels are known for expressing emotions through body language, including the head bob. Many cockatiels will bob their head to their favorite music or just to the sounds of other birds, and personalities like Snowball the Cockatoo (a close relative of the cockatiel) make parrots so interesting.

Cockatiels also have physical reasons for head bobbing, including getting rid of excess gas in their stomachs. They perform the bob by raising the head and neck with the beak pointing upwards while simultaneously bringing the head down sharply, causing expulsion of air from the crop (a pouch located near where food enters the digestive tract).

Do Cockatiels Bob Their Head When Stressed?

Head bobbing is associated with many positive cockatiel behaviors; still, it can have negative connotations depending on the scenario.

The cockatiel has two ways of expressing its feelings and negative emotions: it can peck at you with its beak, or it can do a head bob; when it does the head bob, it can be a demonstration of aggression or anger. If a cockatiel bobs its head in anger, its crest stands up, and the feathers on its neck and head puff out.

When cockatiels use a head bob to signify aggression, it is usually territorial. It means the cockatiel is defending its territory and wants the other bird to back off. In this instance, the head bob is more of a warning signal than an outright sign of aggression.

Cockatiels are very social and playful birds that enjoy the company of their owners, children, and other pets. However, they can quickly become bored if they do not get enough attention. When cockatiels get bored, they may start to head bob or refuse to eat or drink water. This can lead to health issues in the long run, such as a weakened immune system or anemia.

Research shows that cockatiels are susceptible to the same mental health conditions as humans, leading to destructive behaviors such as a refusal to eat. A study found that cockatiels can be diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and other destructive behaviors comparable to human symptoms.

If you’re unsure why your cockatiel is bobbing its head or if they show any symptoms of stress or depression, book an appointment with your vet to get some expert advice.

Which Gender Bobs Their Head More Often?

Both genders of cockatiels bob their heads, and it really comes down to the individual bird. Still, there are some reasons why males could bob their heads more often than females.

Male cockatiels are significantly more aggressive than female cockatiels. This is because they have a higher testosterone level and are more likely to get into fights when mating. 

A study into gender effects and dominance recorded all agonistic behaviors, such as the winners and losers of the interaction and the rates of aggression. Not only did males rate far more aggressively than females, but they also placed in a higher social position.

Summary

There are several reasons why cockatiels bob their heads; they commonly use it as a greeting to their humans or to express their contentment and happiness. Cockatiels also use this motion to communicate with other birds when seeking a mate or to protect their territory.

While head bobbing is a completely natural behavior in the majority of cases, there are times when it could indicate illness. If you suspect something is wrong, look for accompanying behaviors such as refusing to eat or drink, and book an appointment with your vet to check your cockatiel’s wellbeing.

References

Why Do Cockatiels Bob Their Heads: Understanding This Cute Cockatiel Habit – Small Pets 101

Why Is My Cockatiel Bobbing His Head? – Cockatiel Enthusiast