What changes the behavior answer
Ask what changed right before the signal and what the bird does next. Body language is a conversation, not a code chart.
Relaxed signals
Soft posture, normal breathing, balanced feet, gentle beak grinding, preening, playing, and choosing to approach usually point toward comfort.
Back-off signals
Leaning away, tight feathers, open beak, hissing, lunging, fleeing, crouching, or pinning eyes can mean the bird needs space.
Health signals
Fluffed posture that lasts, tail bobbing, heavy sleep, weakness, appetite change, or unusual droppings should be treated as health information.
Best habit
Respond early to small signals so the bird does not need to scream, flee, or bite.