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Why Do Parakeets Kiss Each Other?

Last Updated on January 28, 2024 by Carrie Stephens

Parakeets have a unique way of interacting with each other. It can be hard to tell if a pair likes or dislikes each other, as two markedly different actions can appear virtually identical.

One confusing habit is when two parakeets lock their beaks together. Humans tend to anthropomorphize, assuming that two parakeets are in love and romantically kissing each other.

While parrots lock their beaks together regularly, it may not be for the reasons you’re expecting.

Parakeets kiss each other by interlocking their beaks or knocking their beaks together. You may assume it’s a human lip-lock, but it can be preening, exploring, feeding, or squabbling.

Usually, parakeets clasp their beaks together to feed a mate regurgitated (partially digested) crop food.

Parakeet Kissing Meaning

If parakeets are fighting, this action isn’t a ‘kiss.’ Instead, it’s pecking or biting.

If the parakeets kiss, they do so in specific situations. Each one means the parakeets are happy and getting along well.

Affection

Parakeets’ social nature means they’re happiest when they share a cage with another parakeet. After forming a strong bond, they’ll show affection by tapping their beaks together.

It’s a platonic gesture to express approval and fondness.

Although parakeets show affection to their mate this way, it’s usually as innocent as a smile or handshake between humans. That’s why it’s normal for parakeets to kiss, even when they aren’t sexually mature.

The bird it chooses to kiss is considered family. If you own multiple parakeets that kiss each other, it doesn’t mean they’re in a polyamorous relationship. They’re just friendly and loving toward each other.

are my parakeets kissing or fighting?

Courting Behavior

The two parakeets will be almost inseparable. You can tell when parakeets are courting because they’ll display many of the following behaviors:

  • Sitting together.
  • Touching beaks.
  • Dancing.
  • Preening.
  • Mating calls.
  • Bobbing heads.
  • Feather displays.
  • Regurgitation.

The male will want to prove he’s a good provider by feeding her food from his crop. As it’s part of the usual courting behavior, this explains why humans believe the two parakeets are kissing.

Feeding

Food plays a large part in parakeet relationships, so they store partially digested food in their crops and feed it to other birds.

If they like each other, they’ll often eat out of a bowl at the same time. They also divide up and share food. All this sharing is a social act that assists other flock members.

Parents nourish their young by feeding them regurgitated food. It may seem unpleasant to humans, but parakeets associate regurgitation with bonding behavior when they hatch.

Parakeets may regurgitate food in front of or on their owners, which is often mistaken for vomiting. Sometimes, parakeets won’t have food in their mouths.

Instead, they’ll kiss one another to indicate they want to eat, which happens when the parakeets are accustomed to eating together. At other times, they instruct the other parakeet to bring food.

Because their beaks are relatively small, it’s hard to tell what’s happening when parakeets have interlocked beaks. Looking closely, you may notice the softened food passing between their beaks.

Preening

Parrots use their beak to preen feathers, which is a vital part of their daily life. With their beaks, parakeets:

  • Keep the layering of their feathers neat.
  • Spread natural oils from their preen gland around their feathers.
  • Remove dirt, dust, and debris.

Parakeets might have trouble grooming areas their beaks can’t reach, like the face. Parrots assist each other by preening around their mate’s beak.

It’s a healthy, mood-enhancing bonding activity. Humans can’t replicate this behavior since appropriate preening can only be done with a beak.

Exploration

Parakeets’ beaks are vital because they’re used for eating, climbing, playing, and making sounds.

When young parakeets use their beaks to explore, it’s like babies using their hands. It’s common for owners to get bitten when their parakeets are young.

The parakeet bites as a form of learning and experimentation. Young parakeets bite each other’s beaks to test their strength.

Fighting

Parakeets are friendly birds that kiss to show acceptance, respect, and affection. However, there are times when they bite each other’s beaks when they’re fighting.

Fighting among parakeets is common, especially given their stubbornness. Sometimes, they enter disputes over territory, food, water, favored perches, and specific toys.

According to Exotic Animal Practice, common signs of fighting include:

Parakeets warn other birds not to get too close by flapping their wings or screaming at them. They’ll pin their eyes or display defensive posturing if that doesn’t work.

If parakeets get physical and start going for each other’s beaks after those warning signs, a dispute or fight is almost certainly happening.

Giving the two birds a timeout will usually calm the situation, but sometimes the relationship is irreparably harmed. If so, you must consider whether the two parakeets should be separated.

are my parakeets kissing?

Male Parakeets Kissing

It’s more common for a pair of males than a pair of females to kiss. Female parakeets are more aggressive than males, especially toward other females, competing for space, food, and attention.

However, male parakeets get along well, especially when they’re not competing for a female.

When a female is introduced into the dynamic, males will stop being close until the more dominant male mates with the female.

Female parakeets can form platonic relationships the same way as males, especially when raised together. Grooming, feeding each other regurgitated food, and bumping beaks are flock member behaviors.

Parakeets Don’t Just Kiss Anyone

According to The Condor, parakeets are social creatures that rely on their flockmates.

Parakeets only kiss other birds they trust, like members of their flock. The romantic connotations we associate with this action are insignificant compared to others.

Parakeets have developed nuanced ways of communicating. For parakeets, it can imply a close friendship and even be a neutral sign of respect toward other birds.

By observing its other actions, you can tell how a parakeet feels about the bird it’s ‘kissing.’ The kiss alone only tells you it accepts the other bird, not that it loves it.