upatsix.com - Your Source For Pet Bird Information

Hi everyone, I'm a new member and excited to be here!
I have had birds all my life, but am a little confused about my most recent. I inhiereted a 25 year old severe macaw (Toby) who was with the same woman all his/her life. I have a B&G but there body language is not the same. What does it mean when they extend their wings straight up? is he/she saying "I'm this big be careful" or is it another jesture that I'm just not picking up on? Toby seems to do this more with my husband, and then he starts mumbling like he's trying to tell him something. I have had him now about 4 months. Toby seems to have taken to me more then my husband, he will not step up without biting, but will let me pet him when he is out of his cage. Toby was an only bird and is full feathered.

Welcome to the board!

I don't have any macaws so someone else will have to answer your question. My birds seem to lift their wings up and out slightly after sitting still for a while (perhaps resting/napping?). One will also say, "eagle boy," because I would spread his wings and say that.

hi,
In one of the behavioral books I read, the behavioralist believes that that gesture means they like or love you.That seems to be the case with mine.They especially do that right before I serve them their afternoon meal which is their favorite!

I have a breeding pair of Blue & Golds that do the
same thing...I think it is just what you said.
Trying to show you they are big and beware..
Mine are on 3 eggs right now and i play hell
every time i go in the room to feed them..
Thats the 1st thing i see when i go in the
Macaw room...