What the Bird Does What It Mean

Spreads its wings Threatening gesture toward other canaries or simply stretching and cooling down

Sits on one leg Sign that the bird is relaxed and feeling well

Puffs up its plumage Expression of comfort, but can also be sign of illness

Opens its beak ( pants ) Threatening gesture, but can also mean that the bird is feeling hot.

Open its beak wide In young birds, request to be fed

Hacks with its beak Sign of aggression

Hides its head in its plumage Sleep posture, expression of relaxation and comfort but can also be a sign of illness

Tilts its head Invitation to scratched by the partner, or inspecting something with one eye

Mutual preening Feeling of empathy between the two birds

Whets its beak Cleaning activity, but can be mollifying gesture toward other bird

Rub their beaks Sign of greet affection between two birds

Shakes its plumage Attempt, after grooming or bathing, to arrange the feathers properly, or a sign of relief
after tension ( pain or fright )

Shake its head Expression of disgust

Stretching its body , lifting its wings Sign of being hot, need to cool down

Stretching its body , laying the feathers down flat Sign of being very frightened; gesture of submission

Dances Courtship display to impress a female