Parrots can display some curious behaviors at times, and my friend’s parrot constantly sits on her head.
It has become a long-running joke, but she seems quite happy with her feathered friend’s arrangement of being always sat above her.
Many times my friend is asked, why does your parrot sit on your head?
I thought it would be a fun topic to discuss.
Let’s answer the question, why does my parrot sit on my head?
Parrots like to perch on high objects where they feel they can’t be ignored. On top of someone’s head is a great way to get some attention. It can also be a possible sign of dominance. Another reason is that some birds love to chew people’s hair.
Parrots sitting on our heads isn’t necessarily good or bad.
It is up to you as a parrot owner what you feel is tolerable behavior.
Some owners love their parrots sitting on their heads and think it is affectionate as others see it as a sign of dominance and annoyance.
In this article, we will look at the meaning of why a parrot is sitting on your head, if the behavior is affectionate or dominant, how to stop a parrot sitting on your head, and much more.
Let’s look at all the questions and answers about parrots sitting on your head.
Does my parrot sitting on my head mean something?
Parrots naturally like to be positioned at a high height. It is instinctual as they can survey the scene around them, looking out for predators.
Being your parrot’s owner, they may be seeking comfort or attention from you, and sitting on your head is a sure way to get noticed.
Many people believe parrots have a symbolized meaning and act as your spirit guide to support, instruct, and encourage you by sitting on your head.
Throughout history, this has been believed all the way back to the Egyptians.
Is my parrot sitting on my head affectionate?
Cuddling is the most common way that parrots seem to show their affection to their pet owners.
This is one way that your bird consciously places trust in you.
One of the reasons why your parrot might like to cuddle, other than for love, is the body heat that it gets from you.
This is a great way to create a bond between you and your pet.
Most parrots love cuddling; this is important to note as a parrot owner to create the bond between you and your pet.
If your parrot isn’t getting the attention they want, this is when they may revert to sitting on your head.
It is a sign of affection but can also be demanding.
This is dependant on the individual parrot as they, much like us, have their own personality and quirks.
Should I stop my parrot sitting on my head?
This is an entirely personal preference.
Some owners like the attachment to their parrots, and if they sit there nicely, minding their own business but just being present in your company, then there is no concern.
If your parrot sits on your head pecking and pulling at your hair and incessantly beats their wings against your head, then that might not be so pleasant.
Dominance in parrots is not part of their natural hierarchy but can be picked up through human behavior.
You have to make your own judgment if it is a behavior you are willing to accept or not.
How do I stop my parrot sitting on my head?
You have a couple of options to stop your parrot sitting on your head.
One option is to clip your parrot’s wings to stop them from having the ability to fly.
A controversial topic as some believe it is cruel to cut flight feathers as it removes the instinctual ability to fly.
That can be a whole article in itself. Many parrots have their wings clipped for many reasons, and it is a discussion to have with your vet.
Another option is to try rewarding them when they are sitting where you want them to.
Try training, which will develop a better relationship and a better understanding for your parrot.
It will make it easier for your parrot to step off your head.
Is my parrot sitting on my head a form of body language?
Yes, it is a form of body language for our parrots.
As owners, we cannot speak ‘parrot.’
This causes our parrots to sometimes get creative with communicating with us.
If a parrot wants our attention, they will do something to get noticed, such as screaming, flapping their wings, purring, or even sitting on our heads.
It’s a straightforward way to get noticed.
Is my parrot sitting on my head telling me they like me?
Yes, it can be a source of love and affection.
They are showing they want to be in your space, and they want to bond with you.
Parrots may even try to groom your hair showing a sign of wanting to care for you and creating a bond of trust.
Wagging their tail while on your head can also display a symbol of happiness but be wary; they may just need to relieve themselves.
Why does my parrot keep flying onto my head?
Your head happens to be a prevalent landing pad, purely because it’s the highest place on their beloved owner.
If you don’t want your parrot to land on your head, you might be able to hold your hand up over your head and encourage them to land there.
Why does my parrot sit on my head and play with my hair?
Your parrot is likely preening you.
Preening is a maintenance behavior found in parrots that involves using the beak to position feathers, interlock feather barbules that have become separated, clean plumage, and keep ectoparasites in check.
When you have two parrots together, once they are close friends, they preen one another.
If your parrot is happy and comfortable with you, they will do the same behavior.
It is another sign of affection towards you, but it can be challenging for humans to tolerate such attention, especially if they peck at your head.
You can train your parrot to give you caring attention in other ways and reward the behavior you like.
Do your best not to show frustration, as this can damage the relationship you have with your pet.
A parrot sitting on your head is usually a sign of loving, caring affection.
Dominance is rare in parrots, but only you can decide if it is a behavior you like.
We have answered many questions about why parrots sit on our heads and understand why they do this.
If you are ever concerned about your parrot’s behavior, contact a professional vet who can advise you further.