Welcoming a parrot into your life marks the beginning of a remarkable journey of friendship. While parrots are highly intelligent and affectionate creatures, gaining their trust takes time and patience. For new parrot owners, understanding your bird’s behavior can be confusing. Is your parrot wary, or is it beginning to trust you?
Fortunately, parrots display clear signs when they like and trust someone. Here are 23 indicators that your parrot feels safe and comfortable around you.
Signs Your Parrot Likes You and Trusts You
1. Cuddling
Parrots are affectionate but take time to warm up to physical closeness. When your parrot starts seeking proximity by perching on your shoulder or cuddling into your hair, it’s a sign of trust. Some parrots may even nudge your hand, asking for more contact. They might tuck themselves into your clothes or press against your cheek, showing a strong bond and affection.
2. Preening Themselves
Preening is a natural grooming behavior essential for maintaining their feathers. If your parrot feels safe enough to preen in your presence, it shows they trust their environment—and you. Birds in the wild only preen when they feel entirely safe from threats, so this behavior indicates relaxation and confidence in their surroundings.

3. Preening You
When a parrot preens you, it’s extending the grooming behavior seen among bonded birds in the wild. Running its beak along your skin, hair, or clothes is their way of saying you’re part of their flock. This gesture mirrors the allopreening behavior parrots use to bond with each other in their natural habitat.
4. Flapping Wings
Parrots may flap their wings while staying perched, either to exercise or to express happiness. If they combine this with vocalizations when they see you, they’re seeking your attention. It’s a joyful display, often accompanied by playful body movements or excited chirping.
5. Wagging Tail
Like dogs, parrots wag their tails to signal happiness. However, tail wagging can also mean irritation, so look for accompanying behaviors to gauge their mood. If your parrot wags its tail when you approach, it’s likely excited to see you and anticipates interaction.
6. Bowing Head
A bowed head often indicates trust, as the bird is exposing a vulnerable part of its body. They may even close their eyes, inviting you to scratch their neck. This is an act of vulnerability that signifies they feel entirely safe in your presence.
7. Eye Pinning
Rapid pupil dilation and contraction—known as eye pinning—can signal excitement or interest. Observe their body language; calm cooing and a relaxed posture mean positive emotions. If eye pinning is paired with aggressive body language, it’s best to proceed cautiously.

8. Hanging Upside Down
Most parrots don’t hang upside down unless they feel playful and safe. If your bird does this in your presence, it’s a sign of trust. They might swing, vocalize, or play with a toy while hanging, showing they’re comfortable and happy.
9. Lying on Back
Parrots rarely lie on their backs due to vulnerability in this position. If your parrot does so, it signifies deep trust in you. Some playful species like caiques may do this more often, engaging with toys or inviting interaction.
10. Beak Grinding
Beak grinding, often heard before a bird falls asleep, signals relaxation. If your parrot grinds its beak around you, it feels safe and content. This sound is a positive indicator that your parrot is unwinding in your presence.
11. Beak Rubbing
When parrots rub their beaks on you, it’s often a display of affection. This behavior can also indicate marking you as part of their “territory.” They might rub their beaks on your clothing or skin as a way of bonding and claiming you as their own.

12. Reaching Out with Beak
This gesture can have multiple meanings. If done gently and without tension, it’s a sign of playfulness or curiosity—both indicative of trust. However, ensure you assess the bird’s mood to avoid misinterpreting defensive gestures as playful ones.
13. Gentle Nibbling
Gentle nibbling, often playful, is a sign of affection and trust. If it becomes too strong, a calm correction can help. Nibbling is your parrot’s way of interacting with you and exploring its boundaries, so respond with care to encourage gentle behavior.
14. Relaxed Posture
A parrot at ease will have a relaxed posture, possibly with one foot tucked under its body. This signifies trust and comfort. They may also fluff their feathers slightly or settle into a cozy perch, signaling contentment.
15. Closing One Eye
If a parrot closes the eye facing you while leaving the other open, it’s monitoring the environment while trusting you completely. This behavior shows they feel safe enough to let their guard down partially.

16. Fluffed Feathers
Fluffed feathers can indicate relaxation or friendliness, especially when paired with other signs of trust. A happy parrot might fluff up its feathers during playtime or while enjoying your company.
17. Dancing or Excitement
Parrots often move their heads, wings, or feet in a “dance” when they’re happy to see you. This playful display is a clear indicator of joy and trust in your presence.
18. Regurgitation
While regurgitation can be unpleasant, it’s one of the ultimate signs of trust and affection in parrots. It shows they see you as a mate or close companion. Gently discourage this behavior if it becomes excessive to prevent hormonal stress.
19. Mating Displays
If your parrot shows you its mating display, it’s a strong indication of trust. However, avoid encouraging this behavior, as it can lead to hormonal stress and overattachment.
20. Following You Around
A parrot that follows you from room to room wants to be near you, showing it values your presence. This behavior is a testament to the bond you’ve built with your bird.

21. Calling Out to You
Parrots use contact calls to communicate with their flock. If your parrot calls for you, it considers you part of its family. Responding to their calls helps strengthen this bond.
22. Imitating You
Imitation is a parrot’s way of bonding. Mimicking your actions or sounds indicates affection and trust. It’s their way of showing they want to be involved in your life.
23. Flying to You
A parrot will only fly to someone it trusts. This act of seeking closeness demonstrates a strong bond. Whether they land on your shoulder or perch nearby, their flight signifies safety and comfort with you.
Final Thoughts
Trust-building with a parrot requires time, patience, and effort. These intelligent birds reward your dedication with unwavering companionship. Remember:
- Trust is shown through a combination of behaviors.
- Respect your bird’s boundaries, especially early in your relationship.
- Observe and interpret their body language to strengthen your bond.
With care and understanding, your parrot will not only trust you but become a cherished companion for years to come.