It's said that Amazons are the most honest of all parrots -- that you can pretty much tell what they're thinking and what their intentions are simply by observing their body language. For the most part, I've found that to be true.

These first two pictures are of Rico. Based on his body language, only someone who truly enjoys pain would try to handle him without a handheld perch. You can see how the feathers on his head, particularly directly behind his nares and on the back of his neck, are fluffed. His tail is partially flared, which indicates some degree of excitement, in this case hormonal. His eyes are pinpointing. These pictures were taken as he was hanging out on Abigail's cage. In this particular case, he was so hormonal that when I presented him with a wooden handheld perch he tore into it with great enthusiasm. I'm glad it wasn't my skin.





This is the lovely Rosita, who is also very excited in this picture. My sister is the recipient of the "Amazon crush," bestowed (I believe), because Jan sings and dances for Rosita and, in general, charms the feathers right off her. Within a few minutes of this picture, Jan's DIL got a nasty bite from Rosita when Christina walked between Rosita and Jan and Rosita was trying to get to Jan. I don't think the bite was intentional -- more like being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Rosita is in Amazon overload in this picture, this time from a happy excitement. Jan can pick her up when she's like this, as can I. It's a roll of the dice as to whether a happily overloaded Amazon can be picked up safely. When Rosita is in this condition, she has a hair trigger. On the other hand, isn't she lovely?

What a great topic Joanie! Bird body language is fascinating. I've heard that zons are very good at expressing themselves. And yours are particularly beautiful as well!

You've just given me an inspiration. I'm going to try to collect photos of Ollie in all of her 'moods.'

Great post, Joanie - and oh so true.

Joanie:

I never have to wonder about where I stand when it comes to Stella -- her body language lets me know!! I, too, am the only one who can safely handle her when she is in emotional overload but I do so with a great deal of caution. Stella just turned 4 in April and so I have yet to experience life with a fully hormonal amazon. Nice to know that you navigate it so well and with many more than I have!!

Rico and Rosita are simply stunning birds -- gotta love those DYH's. IMO the DYH's are the most beautiful amazons. Thanks for sharing!!

ah yes, the subtle yet glaring show of "don't even think about getting near me! i am going to do my OWN thing!" with the feathers on end at the top of the head and upper neck.

all the amazons in my home are hormonal right now. hormonal and molting....so they allow me to scratch them, but only for a bit! enough to get some of the loose feathers off.

Great topic and pictures to explain their moods, a picture is worth a thousand words.

Oh yes, you better believe I am taking notes here. Chico should be coming home within a few days now, and I'd like to try to avoid getting nailed any more than necessary! I went to visit him the other day, and he was flaring and pinning in good shape. I haven't attempted to touch or handle him at all as yet, with his current owner right there and all.

She scritches him through the bars (with his ok) but I don't think she really "handles" him either. I have an idea this is going to be a looong, slow process.

Looking forward to more notes on Zon body language, Joanie. I have a feeling you and I are going to be talking a lot!

Rico and Rosita thank everyone for the compliments.

Kelly, I'd be surprised if Stella gave you any real trouble as she matures. The females don't seem to go into that horrible hormonal trance that the guys do. It's a bit hard to feed Liza Loo, though, during breeding season. She gets as close to me as she can and sticks her butt in my face . Then I get to rotate her little body back into her cage without giving her any ideas more inappropriate than she already has.

As soon as I find the right ones, I'll be posting more pics in this thread to illustrate some of the other body languages.

This time we'll go for the peaceful Amazon. This first pic is Adora, who took a shine to one of my Bike Week guests last year. Although she's looking at him very intently, there's nothing aggressive in her appearance. Her tail isn't flared and none of her head feathers are fluffed. They hung out like this for hours.



Rico and Rosita are sharing a special treat. You can see how smooth their feathers are. They're completely peaceful here.



See how relaxed Liza Loo looks? She doesn't slow down very often, so this is a rare picture.

Great thread Joanie. This would be a fantastic thread for each species forum to post.