News Animals

Parrots can move along thin branches using ‘beakiation’

The sidestep involves shuffling across the underside of a branch using both feet and the beak

A photograph of a rosy-faced lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis) against tree bark.

Parrots, such as this rosy-faced lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis), can travel along thin branches using “beakiation” — a side-swinging motion that involves their beaks and feet.

Steven Gaines

By McKenzie Prillaman

Parrots don’t just hang out for fun.

To move along narrow branches, a parrot can hang from a branch with its beak, swing its body sideways and grab hold farther along with its feet.