Cockatoos make many postures to express their feelings. If you understand the expressions behind every posture your cockatoo makes, you can take better care of him. Let’s talk about why cockatoos raise their crest.
Cockatoos raise their crests to express excitement, surprise, and defense. When Cockatoos lower their crest, it indicates they are back to normal.
Detailed Reasons for Raising Crest
When they raise their crest and slightly shake their body, it indicates they are excited. When they only raise the crest and standstill, they are surprised by something and alert. Similarly, when they raise their crest and produce loud and shrill sounds, they are in a defensive position. (1)
Excitement and Happiness
When cockatoos get excited (either because of their favorite food, place, or music), they raise their crests, shake their head, or move to and fro to express their happiness.
They also raise their crest feathers and shake their tail when interested in something. Their body shows their curiosity. Sometimes they also move their feet and head during excitement.
Surprised and Alert
If anything surprises them, they raise their head and crest, silently observing the situation. If that surprise makes them happy, they start shaking their head. And if they are confused, they stand still and stay alert.
Defensive Position
When they feel any danger approaching them, they raise their crest and scream to alert the flock. They also do it to scare away predators. If the predators come closer, they also open their wings for defense and hiss to warn..
Show aggression
When cockatoos are aggressive or upset, they raise their crest and puff their body feathers to look bigger. They make noise if they are approached and are unhappy about it. In worst situations, they can bite with their strong beaks.
To impress others
Cockatoos are very humble and attractive parrots that want to be adored and loved. They raise their crest and make lovely sounds to look gorgeous and appealing. They do it to impress their owners and female cockatoos and grab attention.
If your cockatoo does it, know he loves you and wants you to love him. All he wants is more attention and affection.
Sometimes for no reason
Cockatoos raising crest does not always mean something. They sometimes do it for absolutely no reason.
Final Thoughts
The cockatoo crest helps us understand how the bird is feeling. Always pay attention to your cockatoo’s behavior; it will help create a stronger bond and keep the bird happier.
