Head Bobbing, Regurgitation & Mating Behaviour 

Budgies have some quirky behaviors that can leave new owners wondering, “What on earth is that?!” One of the most common is head bobbing — often followed by regurgitating food, tapping objects, or acting a little too “romantic” with a toy, perch… or even you.

These behaviors are usually related to mating instincts and bonding displays, and while they’re normal, they can sometimes become excessive, messy, or even problematic.

🧠 1. What Does It Mean?

🔁 Head Bobbing

• A rhythmic up-and-down motion of the head

• Usually done while chirping, clicking, or fluffing up

• Can be excitement, attention-seeking, or a hormonal signal

• Seen in both males and females, but more common in males

💚 Regurgitating

• Bird brings up a small amount of food and offers it to something

• Shows affection or attempts to bond — with another bird, a toy, a mirror, or you

• Often seen during courtship or “pair bonding”

🪶 Mating Behavior

• Spreading wings, tail lifting, crouching

• Rubbing against objects or toys

• Defending certain spots in the cage

• Increased vocalizations and energy

😬 2. When These Behaviours Are Normal

• Head bobbing for fun or excitement (like seeing you, hearing music, or playing)

• Occasional regurgitation toward a favorite toy or perch

• Mild mating behaviors in spring or summer months

→ These are all normal and usually nothing to worry about!

🛠️ 3. When It Becomes a Problem

• Excessive regurgitating that makes a mess or causes weight loss

• Over-bonding with a toy, mirror, or person

• Aggression when you try to take away the object of their affection

• Repeated mating attempts that lead to frustration or hormonal behaviors

• Female egg-laying without a mate or nesting conditions

🧘 4. How to Gently Reduce Mating Behavior

✅ Limit Light Exposure

• Keep them on a schedule of 10–11 hours of light per day

• Cover their cage at night to prevent excessive stimulation

✅ Remove Nesting Triggers

• No dark corners, boxes, paper piles, or soft beds

• Rearrange cage layout often to disrupt territorial patterns

✅ Remove or Rotate “Mating Objects”

• If your budgie is obsessed with a mirror, bell, or toy, take it out

• Offer different types of enrichment that don’t cause hormonal responses

• Avoid giving too many soft, snuggly toys that they try to “mate” with

✅ Avoid Certain Kinds of Petting

• Stick to the head and cheeks only

• Petting the back or under wings can feel like courtship to a budgie

• Be mindful of your tone and body language — you don’t want to seem like a mate!

🧠 5. Keep Them Stimulated in Healthier Ways

• Offer foraging activities and new toys

• Use clicker training, flight time, and tricks to redirect energy

• Give safe chewable items and rotate them regularly

• Spend time with them, but not in a cuddly or overly romantic way

🚩 6. Watch for Health Concerns

• If your budgie is regurgitating constantly or losing weight

• If there’s swelling around the vent, lethargy, or tail bobbing

• If they seem “stuck” in hormonal mode for weeks
  → See an avian vet to rule out infection, impaction, or egg binding

💡 Final Thought

Head bobbing and regurgitating may seem weird at first — but they’re just another way your budgie is trying to show affection or cope with instincts. With a little redirection and smart setup choices, you can help your bird stay balanced, bonded, and healthy (without falling in love with their toys or your fingers).