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EXERCISE 1- DESCRIBING WHAT YOU SEE 

This is the first of several practical exercises in this resource. We will start by focusing on one or few things at a time. In the next exercises we will move on to looking at the whole bird at once, as well as sequences of body language.

Start by reading the instruction above the image, then write down your observations either in the text box below the image, or in a separate document or paper. Move to the next image by clicking the slide buttons. When you are ready, you can see a suggestion of what a correct description might look like by clicking on the tabs under the images. 

1.1

Describe the eye of this macaw.

close-up-of-a-red-and-green-macaw-cleani
  • Cockatoo behavior sequence
    Under construction - check back soon!
  • Blue and gold macaw sequence
    Under construction - check back soon! (Note that this macaw has been severely clipped. This doesn't just influence the birds physical and psychological wellbeing; feather condition and physical alterations in an individual is also a factor we need to consider when observing body language. More on this in part 4.)
  • Greenwing macaw sequence
    Under construction - check back soon!
  • 1. Wild Kakariki
    We can observe the Kakariki moving it's head, first from side to side and then tilting it down slightly a couple of times. The movements are relatively fast and almost appear twitchy. At first, it's weight is evenly distributed and it's sitting low on the perch. It then stands up tall, shifts it's weight slightly to the left (our right), turns around on the branch, jumps down and quickly walks in the opposite direction of the camera. The feathers look relatively relaxed on more or less the whole body throughout the video. Other details like pupil size are not discernable.
  • 1.8 Parakeet posture
    This parakeet has an upright posture; legs are somewhat extended, but the bird is not standing tall. Weight distribution looks to be even.
  • 1.7 Amazon feather position
    This amazon parot has tightened feathers all over it's body and head.
  • 1.2 Senegal parrot beak and tongue
    This senegal parrot has a slightly open beak. The tongue is pointed towards the front of the beak.
  • 1.9 Caique posture
    This caique is standing up tall and has a somewhat extended neck. The left leg appears shorter than the right, the beak is directed towards the right, and the left wrist is positioned slightly lower than the right, which indicates that the bird is shifting it's weight to the (bird's) left side.
  • 1.4 Amazon head feathers
    Feathers on the forehead, cheeks, nape and neck are erect. The feathers on the top of the head are relatively flat.
  • 1.1 Macaw eye
    This macaw has a very round, wide open eye and is eye pinning; the pupil is very small and most of the visible part of the eye is covered by the iris.
  • 1.3 Macaw beak and tongue
    This macaw has a somewhat wide open beak. The tongue is tucked in the back of the mouth.
  • 1.6 Macaw wings and tail feathers
    The left wing is held in a folded position against the body, with the wrist protruding slightly in front of the body. The right wing is slightly lifted and tilted outwards. The tail feathers are flaired.
  • 1.5 Cockatiel feather position
    Most visible feathers appear to be in a slightly tightened position. The crest is almost fully erect.
  • Suggestion
    Texttt
  • Allopreening
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  • Nesting
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  • Mating
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  • Regurgitation and feeding
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  • Regurgitation and feeding
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  • Courtship behavior
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  • Nesting
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  • Mating
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  • Courtship behavior
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  • Allopreening
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  • Bathing and Showering
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  • Beak grinding
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  • Bathing and Showering
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  • Stretching
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  • Preening
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  • Beak grinding
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  • Stretching
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  • Resting and sleeping positions
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  • Preening
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  • Feaking
  • Feaking
  • Resting and sleeping positions
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  • Repetative behavior
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  • Posture change
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  • Posture change
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  • Vomiting
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  • Vomiting
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  • Repetative behavior
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  • Fluffed up
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  • Behavior change
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  • Fluffed up
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  • Behavior change
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  • Caiques jumping and marching
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  • Cockatiel bat bird pose
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  • Cockatiel bat bird pose
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  • Cockatoos beak clicking
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  • Cockatoos beak clicking
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  • Caiques jumping and marching
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  • Begging for food
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  • Flapping and preparing for flight
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  • Begging for food
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  • Flapping and preparing for flight
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©2020 Understanding Parrots

(Stephanie Edlund, Djursmart.se)

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