Originally Posted by
PlaxMacaws
That's some outstanding progress, Celia! Obviously Katie senses something special about your son. I'm guessing the initial bite may have been her way of setting a tentative boundary... as if to say: "Please understand that I'M the one in control of this situation!" Declaring such a control position likely made her feel more secure while interacting with him from that point forward. But be mindful that she may continue to do the controlled-biting thing on occasion in order to refresh her declaration.
When a large macaw pinches/squeezes without breaking skin and/or crushing bone, it's because there is no intention to do us harm. They are very compassionate and loving birds. However, when they become frightened they go into defense/self-preservation mode and all bets are off.