Introduction
When choosing a pet bird, it is important to consider what type of bird suits you best. This will help you to be the best pet owner you can be.
Best Birds for Beginners
If you are thinking of becoming a bird owner for the first time, please note that some breeds are easier to care for than others.
Choosing a bird that is smaller, lower maintenance and friendlier can help your first experience be a positive one and ensure you develop a positive long-term relationship with your new pet.
Some of the best birds in this category are:
- Budgies
- Finches
- Cockatiels
- Doves and Pidgeons
- Lovebirds
Best Small Birds
Smaller pet birds best suit those who have limited space, such as those in small homes or apartments. Whilst these birds still need ample room to move around, they can be kept in smaller cages. They are also easier to handle, making them best for inexperienced bird owners or families with children.
- Budgies
- Finches
- Cockatiels
- Lovebirds
- Parrotlets
Best Bigger Birds
Larger birds are best for more experienced bird owners. They can have very long lifespans so are a long-term commitment. They are also generally more expensive, louder and messier.
Great examples of these are:
- African Grey Parrots
- Amazon Parrots
- Cockatoos
- Eclectus Parrots
- Macaws
Quiet Birds
Whilst they will still make noise occasionally, these breeds are generally a lot quieter than others. This makes them best for beginners (who aren’t used to noisy pets) and people who live very close to their neighbours.
- Budgies
- Finches
- Parrotlets
Noisy Birds
All pet birds will naturally make noise. However, some are considerably worse and louder than others - it is in their nature. If you prefer a quieter pet or are new to owning birds, it is best to avoid these!
- Amazon Parrots
- Cockatoos
- Conures
- Macaws
Birds that Talk
Birds that can talk are a very popular choice of pet. Birds learn to mimic human speech in an attempt to socialise and bond with their owners. Teaching your bird to talk is a great trick to impress people. However, they require a lot of training and attention – don’t just expect them to know what to say! Patience and consistency are essential. Begin with easy and short words.
The following breeds can be taught to talk:
- African Grey Parrots
- Amazon Parrots
- Budgies
- Cockatiels
- Cockatoos
- Conures
- Eclectus Parrots
- Indian Ringneck Parakeets
- Macaws
- Quaker Parrots
Affectionate Birds
Some breeds of bird are more likely to be friendly and cuddly pets. Affectionate birds are easier to handle and more likely to bond with you. This can make being a bird owner a more enjoyable and fulfilling experience.
- African Grey Parrots
- Budgies
- Cockatiels
- Cockatoos
- Conures
- Lovebirds
- Parrotlets
- Quaker Parrots
Bird Breeds
African Greys are a large parrot. Their feathers are monochromatic except for their bright red tail, making them very distinctive. They are considered the most intelligent parrot and the best at talking – they can learn thousands of words and even use words in context to have very simple conversations. But be careful what you say around them, it is difficult for them to unlearn unwanted or inappropriate phrases.
Due to their intelligence they form strong bonds, usually with only one person. They require a high level of daily attention, socialisation and mental stimulation. African Greys can live for 75 years – they are a lifetime commitment.
There are different types of Amazon Parrot, with all originating from the Amazon in South America. They vary in size but are all medium to large birds. Most have green bodies with different coloured heads, tails or beaks. Amazons are intelligent and can learn to speak clearly. They can be very noisy and loud at times, and require a lot of stimulation and time out of their cage to exercise daily. They must be handled and interacted with regularly to avoid them becoming aggressive.
Amazon parrots can live for 50 years. Your pet amazon parrot will grow old with you, so make sure you are 100% committed before purchasing.
Budgies, also known as budgerigars and parakeets, are a very popular pet bird. They are a great choice for new bird owners or families with children. They are small, quiet, friendly and easy to care for. They are also more affordable than other pet birds. Due to their small size, budgies only need a small cage. However, they still need room to fly around and be let out regularly for exercise. Budgies are social birds and are generally happier if they are kept with another budgie. Budgies love to whistle and sing. They can also learn to talk. Their words tend to be less clear than other talking birds.
On average, Budgies generally live for 7 years, but can live for up to 15 years if cared for well. Unfortunately, accidents and illnesses are common for Budgies..
The cockatiel is a medium-sized, Australian parrot. It is a popular pet choice due to its friendly yet outgoing personality. They love to socialise with humans, play with toys and forage for food at the bottom of their cage. They can regularly be heard chirping and whistling. Whilst they can learn to talk with lots of training, they are more likely to copy random sounds they hear. A cockatiel’s cage needs to be large enough for it to flap its wings around without hitting into anything.
Cockatiels can live up to 20 years, so will grow with you!
There are various species of cockatoo, including Sulphur-Crested, Umbrella, Moluccan and Rose-Breasted (galah) cockatoos. They can range from medium to large sizes.
Cockatoos require a lot of socialisation and attention to be happy. They will bond strongly to their human and can be very affectionate. But, Cockatoos can be very noisy and can learn to talk very well. They love to chew – provide them with plenty of toys or they might destroy your belongings. They require a sturdy, high quality cage to withstand their strong beak. A cage with horizontal bars is best so that they can climb. They can be very messy with their food.
Cockatoos can live 40-80 years if cared for properly. Larger variations will live longer than smaller ones. Before getting a cockatoo, consider if you have enough free time to give your pet the interaction it needs.
There are many variations of Conure including the Sun, Jenday, Golden, Green-Cheeked, Cherry-Headed, Black-Capped and White-Eyed Conures. They are all small to medium sized parrots with bright, colourful feathers. They are friendly and playful with a big personality. They can learn to speak a few words if trained well. However, they are more likely to mimic random noises they hear around them.
Conures are best for people that have owned pet birds before as they can be very active and loud. They require a lot of exercise and the ability to fly around throughout the day. Conures are considered to be a wild, non-domesticated bird even if bred in captivity. Conures can live 20-30 years, depending on their size and how well they are cared for.
Doves and pigeons are the same thing, although some people in different areas will use the terms separately to describe birds of different size, colour, etc. Doves require a large and wide aviary so that they can fly around. They spend time on the ground foraging so it must be a cage without a wire base. They don’t need toys like parrots but do need baths and perches. They are happiest when living with other doves. Doves are very gentle. They make soft cooing noises almost constantly. Whilst they can be timid around people, socialising them can assist with this.
Doves typically live for 10 years, however some have lived as long as 25 years.
Eclectus are large parrots native to Australia. They come in very bright colours and are sexually dimorphic – the males are green and the females are red! They are very intelligent birds, with the males generally being easiest to train. Eclectus enjoy routine, and mix well with other types of birds (although they can be a bit jealous sometimes). They are generally quiet but do make a distinctive honking noise and can be taught to speak.
Eclectus usually live to 30 years old, however some have lived up to 50.
There are many types of Finch. Technically, a Canary is a Finch. Other common types of Finch include Zebra Finches and Society Finches. Finches are small birds with strong, conical beaks. They love living in flocks so it is best to own more than one. Finches don’t like to be handled so they make a great pet for those who want to watch their birds but have limited interaction with them.
Finches can live up to 10 years, and whilst they require less space than most birds due to their size, they will require a cage large enough for them to fly around.
Indian Ringneck Parakeets are a medium sized parrot. They come in many bright colours but are typically green with coloured bands around their neck. Indian Ringnecks can be prone to biting or chewing things when bored or not handled regularly. They have a very high-pitched voice and can learn to speak. They make great guard birds – they will instinctively screech and alert you of any danger. You will need a cage large enough to accommodate their long tail, and enough room for them to move and play when you are not there.
Indian Ringneck Parakeets typically live for 25-30 years.
Lovebirds are a small parrot; they are sometimes called a ‘Pocket Parrot’. They are known for their bright colours, and are very active and sociable. They can also be very territorial if not handled from a young age. Whilst not overly noisy, they will make chirping noises and can screech when demanding attention. You will need a cage that gives your Lovebird enough space to flap its wings and exercise.
Lovebirds can live up to 15 years.
There are different species of Macaw, including the Blue and Gold, Greenwing, Hyacinth, Hahn’s, and Scarlet Macaws. Whilst they vary in size, they are all large birds. Macaws are very distinctive and come in many bright colours. They are intelligent and can be trained to speak plus perform tricks, but are very messy and very loud. Macaws are one of the most challenging birds and can become destructive or aggressive if not cared for properly or regularly handled - that is why they require a large, strong cage. They are active and will need to be let out daily for exercise.
Macaws can live 30-50 years depending on their size and how well they are cared for.
Parrotlets are the smallest type of parrot. Their size and quiet nature make them a great choice for bird owners who live in apartments or have close neighbours. If handled daily, they can be very affectionate, but they can become aggressive towards other birds and territorial over their cage (so many people choose to only keep one). Whilst some Parrotlets will learn to talk and do tricks, it is not one of their strong traits. They will make chirping and screeching noises but have soft voices.
Parrotlets can live 20 to 30 years.
Quaker Parrots, also known as Monk Parakeets, are medium sized parrots. They are very social and active. Quakers will bond strongly with their owner (usually one person more than others) and enjoy cuddling and pats. They tend to make a lot of little noises and can learn to talk. They can be territorial of their cage so always introduce two quakers on neutral territory. Due to their fearless nature, they generally don’t mix well with other pets such as dogs and cats.
Quaker parrots can live 20 to 30 years.