Cockatoo Vocalizations Part 2: Redefining "Communication"

by Sam Foster

This article is used with permission of the author, February 2008.

“What’s wrong with my Goffin’s? She’s been screaming nearly non-stop for two months and I’m at my wits end! Everyone tells me to just ignore her, and she’ll eventually realize that screaming won’t get my attention. I’ve been doing that for three weeks and it’s now to the point where my husband and I can’t even carry on a conversation in the same room with her!”

It has become evident to me over the years that ignoring the vocalizations of our companion cockatoos is a frequent and principal cause of problematic screaming and persistent calling. I feel that this practice which is widely endorsed by many as the solution to discourage unwanted vocalizations should be challenged, and that the term “communication” must itself be redefined. In order to do this, we must first understand the significance of communication, and how the repression of this fundamental component of our bird’s existence may have severe consequences.

When young cockatoos begin to discover their vocal capabilities, their human family often reacts with incredible encouragement and pride, “What a good bird! You’re so clever!” We play raucous games, teaching them that this is both fun and acceptable behavior. If they appear distressed and call to us when we’re out of sight, we immediately respond with a gentle and caring, “It’s okay, my angel. I’m right here”. When they are hungry and cry to be fed, we recognize their discomfort and provide them necessary physical and emotional nourishment. This is just as it should be, and as it is in the wild.

As these birds grow and mature, those once ‘adorable’ vocalizations may begin to lose their novelty, and to some people they become annoying or unpleasant. To help our birds transition successfully and naturally, we must avoid situations or responses that cause them to become confused. Perhaps the most common behavioral causes of persistent calling or screaming are insecurity, fear, territoriality, warnings, mental and emotional deprivation and....confusion.

We cannot assume that our avian companions automatically realize that baby and juvenile vocalizations are not appropriate for older birds. To a degree, they are guided by instincts and biology which identify various age related conduct. Yet, a great deal of that necessary information is learned from observing the actions and verbal interactions of parents and flock members, whether avian or human. For example, if we ourselves are confused about how to respond to a cockatoo’s calls or the persistent whining of a fledgling, we may be unconsciously teaching the bird to feel the same.

Ultimately, the most effective way to avoid problem behaviors is to foresee and address potential areas of difficulty. Although realistically this may not always be possible, prevention of persistent screaming or calling is an appropriate example of that idealistic philosophy. Once this particular pattern of behavior has been established, the road to recovery is often very lengthy and frustrating, for both the human and the parrot.

For some pet bird owners and aviculturists the concept of problem solving with parrots seems to focus primarily on teaching or training these animals to behave the way we humans feel is suitable. Certainly, working to develop and maintain a compatible and rewarding relationship is a primary responsibility when we accept the challenge of caring for these intelligent and long-lived creatures. Yet, is embracing a goal of understanding, rather than conquest, not a more responsible, compassionate and successful approach?

Ignoring or suppressing vocalizations by covering the cage, “punishing” the bird by ostracizing it to a dark back room, squirting it with water, use of a time-out cage, screaming back, or even turning your back on the bird or leaving the room may work for a limited period of time. While I'm certain there are people who feel these methods are successful, I personally have not seen good, positive long-term results using one (or a combination of) these techniques.

If and when these disciplinary methods appear to be working, it is often because the bird is responding to our human reactions from fear. This fear, and ultimately decreasing trust in the caregiver, may eventually lead to more severe problems in the human/avian relationship. The longer we confuse the symptom, which is screaming or persistent calling, with the actual reason for this behavior, the more difficult it will be to accurately identify and address the true underlying cause.

There is always a purpose for the vocalizations of our parrots. It might be a greeting, a question, a directive, a cry for confirmation, a signal of danger, a territorial warning, an expression of fear, love, happiness, hunger, frustration, boredom or confusion.....but never for no reason at all.

Contact and Sentinel Calls

There are many instances where what begins as a normal contact call becomes problematic due to the owner not recognizing the true reason for the behavior and/or not knowing how to deal properly with it from the beginning. While the contact call is not unique to cockatoos, this significant form of communication appears to be used frequently, often expressively, by various cockatoo species. It is believed by some that those parrots who live in large flocks in the wild are more vocal, in captivity, than those parrots who live in smaller family units.

One contradiction to this theory among cockatoos, is the Rose-breasted. These birds often flock in incredible numbers, and certainly the shrill staccato sounds emanating from such a throng can be deafening. Yet, the incidence of ‘problematic’ screaming in pet galahs is negligible. Why? There are possibly several contributing factors.

While Rose-breasted’s definitely engage in contact calling and rely on the security of the flock for protection, their rearing process does not instill a strong dependency on parents or siblings. This creates an independent and self-confident bird who, when raised judiciously in captivity, will most likely portray those same attributes.

In addition, field observations have not shown them to utilize sentinel birds as is the case with many other cockatoo species, although they have been seen to recognize the sentinel calls of other cockatoos when flying and feeding in a mixed flock. This became evident to me by observing the reactions of our breeding pairs in Australia. When a hawk was seen flying overhead or a snake ventured too close to the aviaries, there was never a sound from any of the Rose-breasted pairs. However, when one of the Slender-billed Corellas or Greater Sulphurs would sound the alarm, the galahs would go diving into the next boxes.

When we do not recognize or fully appreciate the significance of various vocalizations, whatever the meaning, we may ignore natural cries convinced that the bird is a problem screamer and that responding in any way will only intensify the unwanted behavior. In reality, this human reaction of completely ignoring the bird may work in reverse, negatively reinforcing the calling until problematic screaming does indeed become the ‘normal’ behavior for that individual bird.

A more beneficial approach would be for us to pro-actively communicate with our pet cockatoos each day. If we, the human flock, can consistently fill the roles of protector, provider, playmate, teacher and companion, using verbal as well as body language to positively transmit our feelings and instructions, our birds will feel more confident and secure in the environment, and less likely to feel threatened or isolated when we are out of sight or when something new is introduced into their surroundings. That may seem an overwhelming responsibility. Indeed, that is just what it is...our responsibility.

It is surprising how often I hear people comment, “I don’t know what the problem is with my cockatoo screaming. I always answer when he calls to me”. My comment to this remark is typically to continue doing just that. However, answering the call is not the magic answer to behavioral screaming issues.

In Part 1, I mentioned how much time we spend talking to our birds. This exercise is mutually beneficial. The flock obviously enjoys the intermittent verbal discussions throughout the day, and I am rewarded with heart warming replies, from soft hello’s, to acknowledgements of affection and kisses, to birdie commentaries, to whistling or slightly off-key singing. By taking the initiative and offering verbal communication regularly and in a variety of ways, the opportunity exists to captivate our birds interest, at the same time teaching them positive methods of gaining our attention.

When companion parrots have a call that is displeasing to the ear, it is certainly possible to nurture alternative, more pleasant vocalizations. While attempting to successfully change previous patterns, it may be expedient to focus our efforts on sounds or words that are already familiar to the bird. It becomes a matter of teaching the bird to use this new word(s), reinforcing that lesson by using the same one when we want to be acknowledged by the bird.

Ironically, the call we choose may not be what the bird determines he or she wants to use. For example, one of our flock quickly learned that the words, “Come on” would get my attention, although this is not something that I remember saying on a regular basis at all. Rose-breasted Cockatoo, Bud-Bud, uses a cockatiel chirp when wanting our attention, although we do not have a cockatiel and Bud has been with us for almost two years. Another of our group of five does the first part of a wolf whistle, then says, “Your turn”, and will repeat this until the whistle is completed by myself, or one of the other birds. Umbrella cockatoo, Umba, coos the most compelling “Hello Darlin” one could imagine.

Contact calls are used by pet birds for several reasons, each equally important. Successfully distinguishing these various calls helps us to understand the message and respond accordingly.

Boredom, Fear, Insecurity & Warnings

Even the most active and challenging domestic environment cannot duplicate the diversity, the intellectual stimulus and the physical exertion these creatures experience each day in their natural habitats. An often overlooked cause of excessive screaming is a lack of visual intrigue, intricate mental challenges, or the opportunity for adequate exercise and energy release.

Emotional or intellectual deprivation for these intelligent and empathic creatures represents the truest definition of captivity. The challenge is ours to not only offer love, patience and consideration, but to consistently provide them with objects of entertainment that will invite their curiosity, fuel their sense of discovery, and absorb their concentration.

When this basic element of existence is denied, we often encounter a depressed parrot who shows no interest in toys or play, or has become wary and untrusting due to the lack of positive human interaction and guidance. We may one day also discover that this bird has designed ways to fulfill this need for himself, including screaming from sheer frustration, having no other outlets for emotional anxiety.

Many cockatoo owners express frustration that their bird persistently calls when they leave the room, but appears perfectly content when they are in sight. Those who live in multiple species households may find this even more puzzling, when “My amazon and African grey never do this, so why does the cockatoo?”. While it would be easy to identify the social structure of many cockatoo species as the cause for all of these problems, that would be unfair. The root of this particular issue often begins at an early stage in the birds social development, but may also be related to a trauma or an environmental element, as well as learned and instinctive behaviors.

As analytical beings, humans have the ability to intricately assess situations, to rationalize and to identify threats. Our avian friends of today are the product of millions of years of genetics and evolution, whose primary natural instincts are reproduction and survival. When a real or perceived danger threatens in a domestic environment, their feelings of vulnerability may lead to fear vocalizations. If these reactions are misunderstood, continued calling or screaming is probable.

One of most notable fear vocalizations of the cockatoo is hissing. This unmistakable sound, which is also used by some cockatoos as a territorial warning, may in some instances be accompanied by an erect crest, outstretched wings and a noticeable leaning away from the suspicious person or object. Simultaneous cries of panic are quite distinguishable, and should be immediately respected.

Be vigilant when working to identify sources of fear and distress vocalizations. Consider the overall physical environment, looking at it from the birds perspective. Scrutinize light and shadows, the cage and objects inside, including the bottom grate. Assess playgyms and toys, even items lying on the floor or hanging from the ceiling. Observe the birds reactions to mirrors, to windows or views of the outdoors, to pieces of furniture, colors or patterns, light fixtures or ceiling fans. Examine reactions to family members, visitors, and other pets. In multiple bird families, it may require the repositioning of cages to eliminate insecurities felt by one bird toward another, or providing some sort of ‘hiding’ place within the cage. Some parrots may perceive anything out of the ordinary to be intimidating, or as a potential predator. It may be something as harmless as a piece of jewelry, a new nail or hair color, a hat, a throw rug or a house fly.

There are numerous instances of birds reacting vocally to images or sounds from the television and I have seen this myself on several occasions. The most memorable incident was one evening while watching a wildlife program on the Nature Channel. Our umbrella was busy on the playgym and I was talking with my husband when we suddenly heard a piercing scream accompanied by the flapping of wings. I looked up at the television in time to see a large hawk flying away with some type of rodent...potentially a very scary sight to a prey animal.

Sounds from outside or inside the house, possibly unheard by us, may occasionally elicit a frightened verbal rejoinder from companion parrots. A few examples that have been related to me include wind chimes, squirrels, helicopters, dogs barking or howling, a car backfiring, the vacuum cleaner, sirens, equipment or machinery, and other birds where seagulls, crows and hawks seem to top of the list.

Without a doubt, a continually screaming cockatoo can test anyone's patience. Yet we must ask ourselves: Are we calm and in control when reacting to our birds screaming/calling? I understand that this isn't always easy. When this circumstance becomes overwhelming, we need to take a few deep breathes and think how we might appear to the bird at that particular moment, physically and emotionally. Take an objective look in the mirror. Could the physical demeanor or facial expression of the person looking back possibly be taken as a threat or danger? If so, step one is to regain your composure before attempting any further interaction with the bird.

For repetitive behavioral screaming/calling related to these topics, it helps to anticipate the circumstances when this is likely to take place, using the daily journal as a reference. Make every effort to give your companion some out of the cage personal attention, playtime or cuddles before the screaming typically starts, consciously avoiding placing insecure or fearful birds in an uncomfortable situation. After 10-15 minutes, return the bird to the cage offering expressive verbal rewards for him having been such a good bird. If after 20-30 minutes the bird has remained fairly calm and quiet, repeat the entire process. (*NOTE: This is not recommended for those birds whose fear vocalizations stem from severe phobias).

These sessions also offer an excellent opportunity to reinforce a new contact call. Before taking the bird from the cage, or while sitting next to the cage just talking, use your greeting several times. When you receive a verbal reply, even something quite different from what you are saying, continue on with the conversation. If that reply is a loud scream, concentrate on speaking slowly and at a normal volume, again repeating the word or phrase.

Nocturnal Vocalizations

The incidence of reported cries and sounds during the night from cockatoos is intriguing. While we might anticipate these vocalizations to be the result of a disturbance, or a birdie ‘nightmare’, why do some cockatoos respond in the manner while others do not?

We are all familiar with night frights, and cockatoos, particularly cockatiels, are among those parrots who may display this behavior. Yet, this is a very different circumstance, most often accompanied only by the sound of fluttering wings or the bird falling to the bottom of the cage.

A few of the sounds that cockatoo owners report hearing through the wee hours of night include something similar to an extended gruff, high-pitched inhaling of breath. This is a vocalization used by many cockatoos day or night when they are resting and content. There are numerous documentations of periodic “Hello’s” and human chattering, low guttural growls, whistles, and distinct sharp warning alarms. A number of people have remarked, “I don’t think my bird ever sleeps! I hear him talking all through the night”. Something important to interject here is that in each of these examples, the sleeping environment of the birds is dark, quiet and undisturbed.

There is a particular call that I have personally heard only a few times from cockatoos during the night. It is the one that without fail sends chills down my spine, and causes me sit straight up in bed, wondering if T-Rex is about to crash through the walls. As yet, I have been unable to determine the exact cause of this unique outcry.

Certain nocturnal cries, which is often an appropriate description, might be the direct result of sentinel behavior in its purest form. Having shared our lives with several sentinel birds, and many who are/were not, I find a distinct pattern.

The first step is to identify if your cockatoo exhibits traits of a sentinel. Do you consider the bird to be naturally inquisitive and alert? When your bird has reason to sense danger, is there an alarm or vocalization, or does the bird typically remain still and quiet? Do you consider this particular bird to be exceptionally intuitive to your feelings, or superior in intelligence? Overall, would you categorize him or her as a vocally expressive bird (using either parrot or human language, mimicking sounds, whistles, etc.)? Does this bird display a confident personality?

If the answer to many of these questions is yes, you may indeed be living with a sentinel bird. It is my feeling that sentinel behavior is a combination of instincts and learning, and this trait can be cultivated if we understand how and why our birds are vocalizing at certain times. I also think that efforts to continually squelch that behavior may be met with resistance and confusion, possibly resulting in problematic screaming.

Closing

Hopefully, as we strive to broaden our knowledge and perspectives concerning natural and learned vocalizations, and how to discerningly apply that insight to our current and future relationships with these birds, we will discover that the true key for living in harmony with parrots lies not only in looking for methods to solve problems such as screaming, but in the understanding of how and why they may occur, thus preventing them.

Over thousands of years, through our dedication and desire to improve human relationships, we have learned ways to effectively communicate and to express our verbal feelings and concerns. When obstacles or confusion ensue, we are encouraged to carefully examine our individual thoughts and behavior in an attempt to identify the true source of the problem, thus making a positive resolution more achievable. This often requires a change in our perceptions or definitions. Perhaps we can apply this same approach to domestic bird keeping.

I feel strongly that the successful future of cockatoos and humans living together as companions depends upon us adopting such a philosophy, and upon our ability and willingness to acknowledge that in many instances the answers to our concerns and frustrations lie within human understanding, uncovering the entry to those previously unfound doors, and when necessary, redefining our methodology and nomenclature.

(In Cockatoo Vocalizations, Part 3, we will explore possible physical causes for excessive screaming and calling, including diet, lack of exercise, hormonal influences, and sleeping patterns, and how these elements also affect our birds emotional well being).