Defensive, appeasing and submissive behavioural patterns

Defence stance: the parrots sit upright on a branch with their neck feathers puffed out, uttering cries of defence. They usually lean their bodies backwards with their bills open.

Wings lifted: the shoulders are raised 2-3 cm away from the body. This reaction is very often triggered by the opening of the beak of another parrot.

Foot-raising: this must be interpreted as defensive behaviour. It has been described in other parrot species, such as amazons and macaws. The bird lifts its foot up in the other parrot's direction. The attacker interrupts its bill-attack and raises its foot as well. It occasionally comes to "foot wrestling" between the two birds.

Appeasement: the tail feathers are grouped; bill and head are turned aside. The parrots begin preening (as a displacement activity) if the threat has lasted long enough. They then hide their bills in the feathers of the back and close their eyes. The offensive act of the attacker is usually stopped by such behaviour.

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