I have no issues with height aggression.
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I choose to avoid words like "superior" for a few reasons. First, it ascribes a human motive to an observed behaviour, and since we have no way of confirming our theory, it's not useful. Second, it's a slippery slope from adopting an attitude of superiority to dominance-based training, and that old-school approach should be avoided at all costs (in favour of positive reinforcement).
I choose to embrace "equal" because it's a constant reminder of what I should strive for in any given situation.
Contrast those attitudes in the following scenario (Oscar is sitting as depicted above and I'd like to go shopping before the store closes)...
- Superior attitude - I need to go (my choice), so you need to come (my choice), and if you don't I will make you because you need to listen to me (my choice).
- Equal attitude - I need to go (my choice), will you come (their choice)? If not, I'll be back in 20 minutes to check up on you (there's no danger leaving him if that's what he wants).
Play that
superior attitude scenario out a hundred or a thousand times, for things big and small, and we'll end up with a bird who learns they don't have a choice, and their feedback isn't heard. When the subtle communication our birds offer isn't listened to, they learn to speak more loudly (through biting).
I brought these guys into my home, and equal means they should expect the same things I do in this space: safety, comfort, lack of fear, freedom, enrichment, healthy food, clean water and air, adequate sleep, etc. Equal means I've chosen to be with them, and I endeavour to create an environment where they choose to be with me (which makes getting them down from the rafters must easier).
I don't think it's, "nice to think you and your bird are equal", I think it's essential for a healthy relationship.