Perhaps its late at night and everyone is asleep, or your bird is on your shoulder as you quietly read a book. You hear a crunching, grinding sound coming from them and you wonder why they do it. While there hasn't been a whole lot of research into the topic, we do have some ideas.

When do They Do It?

We usually see parrots grinding their beaks when they are in a relaxed state. This could be when they're just perched in a comfortable spot right after a bath or preen, or it could be right before they go to bed or take a nap. Some parrot parents have said that their birds will also grind their beaks when something around them is happening that they enjoy such as their human doting upon them or another bird singing or chattering next to them. This is especially true with Budgies. So, times of contentment seem to be the most likely that a bird will engage in beak grinding. 

What is Beak Grinding, Exactly?

What you're hearing when a bird grinds their beak is when they grind their upper jaw (maxilla) against their lower jaw (mandible). Depending on the bird's size, it can sound like a soft scratching or noise or something like dice being rotated in a person's single hand.  Many people describe it differently, but it's an unmistakable sound. 

Some have proposed that beak grinding may also help with beak maintenance. The motion may help to manage growth of keratin, keeping the correct areas smooth or sharp and helping to prevent overgrowth.  There could also be remanences of food or wood matter that the bird is removing while they do it. However, the primary way a bird cares for and maintains their beaks is through chewing, so this could be more of a backup way of doing so. 

Is There Ever Reason for Concern?

Beak grinding is a normal, natural behavior. However, if it ever sounds or looks off to you, there might be reason for a checkup with the bird's vet. It should typically happen when the bird is content and before sleep. If you see them doing it all the time, this might be a red flag. It should sound like a rhythmic, soft noise and not harsh, grating, or too loud. If your bird shows signs of discomfort or has difficulty eating, this is also an indication that something is wrong. Your bird's beak should be mostly smooth without misalignment, overgrown parts or any bleeding. 

What if You Don't Notice Your Bird Grinding Their Beak?

Chances are, if you aren't noticing your bird doing it, they still are. Some birds might not feel fully relaxed until later in the evening, or they might just be really quiet. Very small parrots like Budgies and Lovebirds might not be as obvious because they have such small beaks. If you really want to hear them, wait until shortly after they've been put to bed and had their pre-bedtime meal. Once they're quiet and no longer moving around in their cage, quietly listen closely and there's a decent chance you'll hear a soft crunching noise. But even if you don't, as long as your bird is healthy and not having any issues, it's not something to be overly concerned about. There's a good change they're just more discreet beak grinders. But, if you ever have any concerns, it never hurts to get them checked out by their vet. As always, observation is key. When you truly take the time to observe your parrot, you'll be much more likely to catch anything abnormal before it has the chance to get worse. However, you're also more likely to catch some of the fun, quirky behaviors that your parrot engages in. They can be easy to miss, but it's always a joy when you see them.

Beak Grinding is a Sign of Contentment

Even though there isn't a lot of research on the topic, one thing seems to be pretty clear - often when our birds grind their beaks, they are feeling content and relaxed. You'd be surprised how relaxing it can be for us too when they do it. So, enjoy your parrot's soft, relaxing grinding and rest assured knowing that they are feeling safe in that moment. Here a look at a beautiful Eclectus parrot doing a demonstration for us all!