A brief side-to-side motion of the feathers of a bird’s tail.
When parrots rouse or shake out their feathers, they usually end the motion with a tail wag. Many also wag their tails after passing a dropping. Tail wagging can also be construed as a “happiness behavior” in some psittacine species, such as African grey parrots and many South American parrot species. These birds often rouse their feathers and wag their tails when they see someone or something they really like.
It might be useful to pay attention to the circumstances around a tail wag. Timing and circumstances can give an owner more information about a pet parrot’s moods, as well as the things they do or do not like.
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.