Maybe you have seen birds moving their heads when walking, and you are asking yourself, “Why do birds move their heads when they walk?” Read on to find out!

Below are five reasons why birds move their heads when they walk:

1. Steady Their Vision

Since birds cannot move their eyes like humans, they bob their heads to steady their vision. This helps to prevent blurriness and gives the photoreceptors enough time of about 20 milliseconds to build an exact picture of the objects surrounding them. This head movement enables their bodies to catch up with their vision.

2. Gain Depth Perception

Birds have their eyes located on the sides of their heads. Therefore, normal walking will not let them know the depth of their perception, leading to staggering or missing out on the paths. Mainly, these birds move their heads forward and then hold for a while for their bodies to catch up with their heads to create a depth perception of their motion.

3. Create a Balance

Birds move their heads to create balance when walking. Humans usually swing their arms; animals usually balance their tails; and birds move their heads to create the equilibrium that helps in balancing when in motion.

4. Prey Detection

Birds like hawks, eagles, and owls usually move their heads to detect prey easily while waking. Based on the research studies, moving their heads is one of their hunting skills, especially in an open environment.

5. Communication

Birds often communicate by moving their heads while walking. Mostly, Northern flickers bob their heads for territorial displays so that other males should stay away from their territory. Besides, female birds also move their heads while walking to communicate with their nestlings, especially when showing them food and water.

Why Does My Bird Move His Head Up and Down?

Perhaps you have noticed your bird moving its head up and down. 

Do not worry yourself too much, as these might be the five possible reasons for the behavior:

1. Seeking Attention

This usually happens when you have a young bird that seeks its parents’ attention, mostly to be fed. Also, your bird can move its head when it wants your attention, especially when you have gone a while without spending time with it.

2. Excitement

If your bird is excited about something, it will move its head up and down. In most cases, your bird gets excited when it sees you after being apart for a while, presenting its favorite treat, playing its favorite music, or introducing exciting toys in its cage.

3. Anger

Sometimes, your bird can be angry, leading to it moving its head up and down. When you notice this, you must find out why your bird is angry and solve it immediately before it starts becoming very aggressive.

4. Courtship Behavior

Your bird is in the courting stage; males like to move their heads to attract females. This bobbing is usually accompanied by loud vocalizations that show its capability. Therefore, head bobbing should not be a concern when your bird is in the courtship stage.

5. Outlet for Their Boredom

Sometimes birds get bored in their cages and move their heads up and down to entertain themselves. This is one of their ways of letting out their boredom and creating their own happiness. It is best to also play with your bird to make it cheerful.

What Does It Mean When a Bird Wiggles Its Head?

When a bird wiggles its head, it simply means it is trying to look better and increase its confidence. Usually, birds wiggle their heads after preening their feathers immediately after having a bath.

Sometimes, birds wiggle their heads for a better view. This happens when they see something that catches their attention. This wiggling gives birds a better view, reducing blurriness and ensuring the exact vision of objects.

Why Do Birds Bonk Their Heads?

Birds usually bonk their heads to seek their caretaker’s attention. This is a behavior that they adopt over time, especially when you do not spend so much time with your bird.

It helps them kill boredom, too, as bonking entertains them. Therefore, head bonking should not scare you; instead, give your bird quality time to prevent loneliness.

Do All Birds Bob Their Heads?

Yes, all birds bob their heads for visual stabilization, especially when walking or hopping. Usually, head bobbing prevents blurriness and leads to a clear picture of their surroundings.

Moreover, it helps in-depth perception, especially in 3D dimensions. It enables them to estimate the depth of their motion. Thus, head bobbing is one of the most important bird adaptations.

Why Is My Bird Shaking Her Head So Much?

Your bird could be shaking her head due to one of the following:

1. Illness

A bird shakes its head more often when it is ailing, especially with an ear problem. It is vital to have your avian vet check it out before the illness spreads and becomes fatal.

2. Angry

Sometimes, birds shake their heads when annoyed, maybe by the sound of objects or music. Once they are irritated, they shake their heads more often. Thus, consider checking out the cause of its aggression to make your bird stop shaking her head.

3. Attention Seeking

Your bird is seeking your attention. She wants to spend quality time with you, especially when you have not seen her for a while.

4. Kill Boredom

If a bird feels lonely, it may shake its head so much to kill boredom. Shaking its head is a way of playing, creating happiness from within. Nonetheless, give your bird the attention it requires to make it happy.  

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