[juniorhues]

My cockatiels have done this behavior (and even my budgie) every now and then and I could never google and find out what it was called or what it meant, but I captured it on video because trying to explain it just does not do it justice.

https://i.imgur.com/JZ7CE0R.mp4

I don't think sound is working in the video but that's okay because like I said the chattering is entirely silent. It's not crunchy like beak grinding and there's no soft whispering or anything. Just quiet, fast beak chattering.

Basically when I come and see my tiels or i make kissy noises at them, they chatter their beak quietly like this. Me and my boyfriend call it "Yummy mouth" because it's like they ate something yummy.

My hen does it when I pick her up to kiss and pet her
My male Kimbo (in the video) does this when I make kiss noises and when he wants to be pet or he's about to whistle at us. He usually pairs this chattering up with heart wings, or does it between imitating our kissing sounds.

I'm assuming it's not unhealthy behavior because they both do it in anticipation of petting and kisses, but I wonder why I've never seen other birds do it or why it doesn't have a name?

 

[angiessa]

Atticus does this too when he's sitting on my hand talking to me. I'm guessing it's some sign of affection or excitement?

 

[Janalee]

silent chattering

Yes, Bennie does this, too, usually when he's looking at his reflection in a mirror. I agree; I think it is probably excitement, maybe even a little aggression(? ) He usually does "heart wings" at the same time, although not fully open.