The eyes will be even in shape and placement in the head, free of any discharge, and the conjunctiva is pink and moist. The periorbital area surrounding the eye is not swollen or sunken. The cere and nostrils are also clear of any discharge. The shape of the nostrils varies among species of birds, but they should be symmetrical. A small disc of cartilage centered in each nostril is called the operculum and it serves to keep foreign objects out of the nasal cavity.

The beak is smooth and symmetrical, though it is normal to see the growth plates on its surface. Tap lightly on the beak and the bird will usually open his mouth, allowing you to catch a glimpse inside. You see the moist, pink tissues of the oropharyanx at the base the muscular tongue. The choanal slit above it is clean and surrounded by many sharply pointed little papillae.

When you run your hand over our bird's breast, you can feel the sternum running straight down the middle of his chest and the breast muscles curving away from it to either side. These muscles are slightly rounded out meaning our bird is well fleshed. As he steps up onto your hand, his grip is sure and strong. The scales on his feet are uniform in color and texture. His wings fold evenly close to his body and when he opens them, they both extend fully. His breathing is even and easy, but quiet, and his tail does not move with each breath. After flapping his wings for a few seconds, his breath rate is a little faster, but it returns to normal in a few seconds. His feathers are smooth, clean and appropriately colored.

There is one more place to look and that is under our bird. His droppings look normal.