new sun conure

Question
I just got a new sun conure, about 4 months old... he seems to ruffle up his feathers when certain people hold him.  he seems to really like the person holding him when he does it.. he also bobs his head wildly up and down... what do these two behaviors mean?? thanks in advance

Answer
hi. thanks for your question. congrats on your new sun conure!  anyway, in my experience, when your parrot "fluffs up" and it isn't accompanied by biting or any other type of aggression/posturing, he is telling you that he likes being held! sounds like a little sweetheart! as far as the bobbing head up and down, it sounds like he may be regurgitating.  when a parrot bobs his head up and down (while being held/while with someone else) he is regurgitating food from his crop ("bringing up food" as my mom says).  this is actually the highest compliment that a parrot friend can give you! birds regurgitate food in the wild for their mates, babies, and others in their flock. since your bird is in a human "flock" he is regurgitating food "for you"! although somewhat gross, i just tell my parrot "thank you". usually they will eat whatever comes back up and it doesn't make a mess. the only time head bobbing would concern me is if he is vomiting as opposed to regurgitating. this article:   http://www.birdchannel.com/bird-behavior-and-training/bird-large-bird-behavior/d...    discusses more in detail regurgitation vs. vomiting in parrots and goes on to discuss regurgitation. good luck with your new baby and i hope this helps! alicia