lovebird spreading wings

Our very affectionate, hand-raised lovebird developed an initially funny, but now annoying behavior:  whenever his primary caretaker tries to pet him (we think it's a him), he will spread his wings wide and arch his back, thus exposing his rear.  At the same time, he is also making an odd tongue-clicking noise.  It first started when his owner lowered her hand from above onto the bird, which initially resulted in a purring sound and cuddling-like behavior.  As time went on, the wings began to spread, and so forth.  Now all she has to do is scratch him or touch him around his neck and he'll spread his wings, arch his back, etc.  Any ideas what this is all about?  He seems healthy and happy in all other ways!

[ireneo]

I don't know anything about pet birds but in the wild birds that's usually a sign of availability, submission, ready to mate. Perhaps you've seen it done on those animal programs- first there's all the dancing around and preening. Then the female will arch back, spread her wings and lift her tail so the male can balance on her back for the "cloacal kiss", mating.

[wait2long]

sorry to say but your hand raised lovebird is not a "him" it is a girl and she is ready for a mate...completely normal behavoir except primary caretaker is not another lovebird, she sees caretaker as her mate...all normal..if you want it to stop get her a mate...she'll be soooo happy.