What is a common response of birds to excessive restraint?

When birds are subjected to excessive restraint, a common response is increased aggression. This behavioral change occurs because many bird species perceive restraint as a threat to their safety and autonomy. In the wild, birds have evolved to avoid predation, and being held can trigger a flight response or defensive aggression as a way to protect themselves. This aggression can manifest as biting, flapping, or vocalizing assertively to assert dominance or prompt a release from the restraining position.

In contrast, calmness would be an atypical response to restraint, as birds generally do not find feeling trapped or immobilized reassuring. Sneezing is not a behavioral response indicative of distress or discomfort regarding restraint, and while vocalization can occur, it often serves as a means to express stress or discomfort rather than calmness. Therefore, the recognition of increased aggression as a response to excessive restraint is fundamental in understanding avian behavior and the importance of using gentle, fear-free handling techniques.