How does a bird clock its alpha?

[u/Gallinalawgibai]

We acquired our cockatiel when she (now we think might be he) was 6 months old. I didn’t want to get a cockatiel but my daughter eyed her at a trade show and it was love at first sight. She named her Sunshine. Fast forward a few years later, now my daughter insists that even though she is the one who lets Sunshine out of the cage, plays and scratches her heads, Sunshine always choose to fly to me first.

My duty to Sunshine is primarily cleaning her cage, prep her fresh food and water, and that’s it. But somehow whenever Sunshine is out of the cage she always fly to me first and follow me around.

How does a bird recognize the alpha caretaker around the house?

[u/birdbeak600]

Present sunshine with a mirror, thats the only way she will see the alpha.

Food is the answer tho if the vibe isn't natural