Lovebirds make some typical body movements that communicate useful information to the observant pet owner. Many of these movements are most marked in the peach-faced lovebird.

Head movements from left to right with short, small strokes:

This behavior occurs most often when the lovebird is upset about something, as when a fly or mosquito is circling its head and won't go away or when something sticks to a lovebird's beak and can't be removed with its claws.

A somewhat different head movement is the swaying that occurs during the matting dance. However, when a lovebird becomes annoyed during mating, it can exhibit this same short, small head movement.

Cleaning the beak:

This behavior occurs mainly after a lovebird has eaten fruit or some other sticky food or when it has eaten seed mixed with husks that cleave to the beak. You can observe this cleaning, which is performed by rubbing the beak with a leg or against a branch. The same behavior can also be a displacement activity, a type of nervous reaction. Males ready to mate can become quite nervous and may engage in this activity repeatedly, especially if it appears that the female is not yet ready to mate. Sometimes the behavior occurs without an apparent reason.

Bowing and stretching:

Lovebirds will stretch to their greatest possible height to make an impression on another lovebird, for a number of reasons, most generally aggressive in nature. If the other party is impressed, it will shyly make a bow or nervous nods as a sign of submission. During a mating dance, both lovebirds take turns showing this behavior.

Swaying the head:

This behavior is carried out in a quite, steady, slow rhythm, principally during the mating dance. The head is moved slowly from right to left so that first one cheek and then the other is turned toward the partner.

Wing beating:

This behavior can be part of the mating dance, but is also exhibited at other times. It is interesting that this wing beating is especially exhibited by lovebird species in which the males have black feathers on the lower wing. The behavior can also serve as a warning to scare away a true enemy or just another lovebird that has approached too closely.

Raised feathers with shaking motions:

This is more behavior of the mating season that serves to impress. It is also used to warm away rival birds. The wings are often held away from the body for 4-5 seconds. In serious outstretched or folded over the back.

Extreme drooping of the wings:

This behavior displays a seemingly unnatural position and is generally a sign that the lovebird doesn't feel well. It can also be a gesture to generate sympathy. Male lovebirds sometimes exhibit this behavior if they are dominated by their partners.

Wing whirring:

Here the lovebird appears to fly while remaining perched on a branch. It is a sign that the lovebird feels great or wants to inform others that it is important. It can also be a sign of agitation, and then the mantle feathers are spread.

Charging:

When lovebirds make changing movements with the beak, this can be regarded as an offensive or defensive maneuver. When charging, the head and back are held low, the tail is spread, and the head feathers are fluffed. When the lovebirds almost touch one another (there is no actual bodily contact), the feathers smooth out.

Beak fencing:

This behavior is usually a sign that a lovebird wants to bite and is often accompanied by a screech. It leads to an actual attract directed at the legs or toes of another lovebird. The victim also makes fencing motions and directs these at the opponent's beak. Beak fencing occurs more often if too many lovebirds are crowded together in a small enclosure, like a shipping crate. If this happens in overcrowded aviaries and cages, it can recur repeatedly and interfere markedly with the peace and harmony of the lovebird population.

Raised taill:

This is a sign of self confidence. Lowered tail: This usually indicates a sick bird. This behavior can also occur during mating, when it signals surrender. Only males exhibit the behavior as females consistently dominate the males.