What behavior might an African Grey exhibit that indicates stress during a physical examination?

An African Grey parrot standing on the floor of its cage can indicate stress during a physical examination. This behavior often suggests that the bird feels threatened or insecure in its environment. In many birds, standing on the floor instead of perching may be a sign of anxiety or fear because they usually prefer to elevate themselves to feel safer and observe their surroundings. When a bird chooses to stay low, it can be a reflection of discomfort or a desire to hide from perceived dangers, which are both indicators of stress.

Flapping its wings might sometimes be a typical movement for a bird but can also indicate excitement or agitation rather than outright stress. Perching high is usually associated with security and contentment, which does not indicate stress. Continuous chirping can mean various things, including communication or alertness, but it does not specifically signify stress in the context of a physical examination. Thus, observing an African Grey on the floor of its cage during such a situation is a significant indicator of its mental state and overall comfort level.