Perhaps thanks to the idealistic but unrealistic Disneyesque approach to animals and Nature, people are often wildly enthusiastic about animals that touch parts of their faces to those of others. “Kissing” is a positive thing in some but not all human societies, so people often assume that any animal that touches its face to another’s face is doing the same thing as a human kiss. In reality, most animals (other than some primates) do not “kiss” each other, so this assumption can be a seriously faulty one.
It is astonishing how many people offer their faces to pet parrots that they know are biters, apparently blithely assuming that a parrot that often communicates through biting would never bite their faces. This can be extremely unfortunate, as a facial bite (even an accidental one) can seriously damage the bond between person and parrot.
Disclaimer: BirdChannel.com’s Bird Behavior Index is intended for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the expertise and experience of a professional veterinarian. Do not use the information presented here to make decisions about your bird’s health if you suspect your pet is sick. If your pet is showing signs of illness or you notice changes in your bird’s behavior, take your pet to the nearest veterinarian or an emergency pet clinic as soon as possible.