Why Do Bearded Dragons Wave?

Bearded dragons wave as a form of communication. However, males and females exhibit this behavior for different reasons. An arm wave combined with a slow bob usually shows submissiveness. It is a way for your beardie to communicate that they are not a threat and wants to be left alone. Female beardies use slow head bobbing and arm waving to show submission when encountering an aggressive male. In their natural habitat, male dragons also arm-wave and head bob as a sign of dominance and mating behavior.

Bearded dragons will frequently wave to acknowledge the presence of their owners, visitors, and other pets. Bearded dragons sometimes wave at their own reflection in the glass because they confuse it for another beardie.