Behavior term for aggressive behavior that expresses itself in a different behavior, such as a parrot banging loudly on a toy when it would really prefer to bite the daylights out of a particular person. Not to be confused with “redirected aggression,” which involves an animal switching its target for aggression. See “Redirected Aggression” for more information.
Aggression toward someone or something that cannot be acted out directly.
Analyze the situation to identify what triggers the aggressive behavior. Then work on resolving the animosity and improving the relationship between the bird and the person or object that the bird appears to dislike. If directed toward a human, for instance, that person could carry special treats the bird loves, offering them whenever he or she is near the bird. If directed toward an object, the bird can be gradually desensitized to it, or the object can simply be removed from the bird’s sight.
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.