Pet Forum / Birds / Parrots / November 2004

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone could help me figure out what is this
behavior means from one of my cockatiels.

I have two cockatiels. I *think* one of them is male and the other is
female. Anyway, sometimes when out of the cage, the "male" will stand
high, put its crest back, spread its shoulders, and start circuling
around the female. The female doesnt seem bothered by it, even though
the male pecks her violently periodically while doing this. The male
also makes an "evil" whistling noise, followed by some clucking.

What does this mean? Do they hate each other, or is this some sort of
mating habit.

Thanks a lot!
--Shafik