Jeff, it DEFINATELY is not te same for sure. I must admit, I do allow a beak kiss on the lips from my greys when we are on our way to bed, depending on their body language, their mood, and how quiet they have been. Not every night, but some nights......always with a missy sound. BUT never with my amazon, as much as she loves me and loves to cuddle, she is very affectionate, but she leans to far towards me with her beak open, and she is a biter. Like Janet, I mostly keep my face turned away if she is on my shoulder so she can't bite it, or keep my distance when we are chatting. As sweet as she is, she can give a nasty bite.