Top 10 Best Talking Birds – Petcare

You may be considering adopting a new family companion, and while you’ve considered the traditional dogs, cats, and guinea pigs, nothing seems to fit your lifestyle. But have you thought about a bird? Given the proper circumstances, birds can be an excellent social addition to a household.

Living with a bird is comparable to owning a dog; they require daily care and cleansing, playtime, socialization, training, and, in some cases, costly veterinary care. However, given sufficient time, attention, and training, certain species can engage communicators.

Remember that birds are individuals and that some members of a “talkative” species may never choose to speak, while a non-talkative species may learn to talk incessantly. Learn about talking birds and what to expect by reading on.

The Best Talking Birds

Budgerigar

This tiny bird, also known as the budgerigar or parakeet, is powerful despite its diminutive size. They have an average lifespan of 5–8 years and are intelligent, social birds that appreciate spending time with their human families. Budgies are only 6–8 inches long and weigh about an ounce, but they have the most extensive vocabulary of any avian in the world. They can learn both long and brief phrases, as well as sing.

Budgies are quieter than some of the other vocal species. Although they require and appreciate the out-of-cage time, they can be content in a large cage while the family is at work; leaving the television on exposes them to a constantly expanding vocabulary.

The voices of budgies can sound slightly distorted and gravelly, but their vitality and vast vocabulary can make up for this. To maximize your budgie’s skills, search for a very young bird at a local rescue or a reputable breeder who raises birds by hand.

Cockatiel

Cockatiels are popular pets, and for a good reason: they are typically docile, friendly, and simple to care for. They adore being cuddled and held, and they appreciate the company of humans. They can become talkative with consistent socialization and training, acquiring up to 250 words and phrases and even whistling songs.

A male cockatiel is your best bet if you want a talking birds, instead of one that chirps and trumpets. Female cockatiels typically acquire language more slowly than males. Cockatiels are larger than budgies, measuring 12–14 inches, weighing 2.5–4 ounces, and have an average lifespan of 10–14 years. Cockatiels are lovely starter birds and will provide their families with years of companionship.

Quaker Parakeet

Quaker parakeets, also called monk parakeets, are comparatively simple to care for and are regarded as excellent starter birds. Nonetheless, please verify your local laws, as they are prohibited everywhere.

Quakers are tiny (11–12 inches, 3–5 ounces), docile, and extraordinarily quick learners. Due to their rapid acquisition of human speech, they are simpler to teach and train for those new to working with birds. Despite having a smaller vocabulary than budgies, quaker voices are more precise, making them simpler to comprehend. They can still learn at least 50 words and phrases and imitate other noises in the home (such as barking dogs). Both younger and older birds will likely learn household conversations rapidly. Repetition of the phrases you want them to know will only expedite the process.

Quakers are noisier than budgies but are sociable and appreciate being around humans. In general, they are superb birds for beginners. In addition to these fantastic qualities, their life expectancy is up to 30 years.

Ring-necked Parakeet

Ring-necked parakeets, also known as Indian Ringnecks, are marginally more significant than the preceding species, measuring 14–17 inches and weighing 5 ounces. In addition to acquiring individual words, they can also pick up longer phrases. Ring-necked parakeets can repeat complete sentences and imitate a variety of sounds. Additionally, their tone of voice is clear and understandable, making them enjoyable to train and communicate with.

In some cultures, ring-necked parakeets are revered as holy animals due to their ability to learn and imitate the daily prayers they overhear. Because they appreciate learning longer phrases, there is a need for increased repetition. Ultimately, they must ensure everything is stated clearly and in the proper sequence! This trait makes ring-necked parakeets somewhat more challenging to train.

Additionally, they can be somewhat obstinate, making them an “advanced” beginner bird that is likely not the optimal first bird. They are also noisy birds that produce considerable noise throughout the day, excluding them from consideration in apartment buildings and for those with a low tolerance for noise.

Eclectus

The eclectus parrot is a medium-sized avian, measuring 17 to 20 inches long and weighing 13 to 28 ounces. However, they require moderate care in addition to socialization and are not ideal “beginner” birds. However, Eclectus parrots are an excellent transitional species for intermediate bird owners before advancing to “advanced” species.

Males are typically slightly simpler to train than females, but both sexes require extensive interaction and out-of-cage time. Over time, these birds frequently acquire various words and phrases and are quieter than other parrot species.

Yellow-naped Amazon

Although many Amazon birds are considered excellent talkers, the yellow-naped Amazon is considered the best. They can possess vast vocabulary and can construct coherent sentences. They can comprehend the context, cadence, and tone as if they had been a part of the conversation the entire time.

Yellow-naped Amazons are relatively large birds, measuring 15 to 27 inches and weighing 16 to 24 ounces, and can survive up to 80 years. These birds are brilliant, social, gifted communicators and vocalists with a clear and melodious voice.

They are, however, not for the faint of heart. Amazons are prone to erratic mood swings that rapidly shift from agreeable to vicious. A thorough understanding of the body language of parrots can prevent many excruciating bites, especially from males, during the breeding season. This “attitude” cannot typically be altered through training, making Amazon a fantastic talker for more experienced bird owners.

Cockatoo

Cockatoos are gorgeous, almost excessively social, and affectionate birds. These birds are characterized as possessive (or needy) and require hours of social interaction each day. They can be pretty boisterous, especially when they are denied their desires.

Cockatoos do not rate their ability to speak or imitate highly, but they frequently learn words and phrases, especially if it helps them attract attention. Cockatoos require proprietors with the time, space, and energy to share their lives around the clock. They are not optimal for inexperienced bird owners. However, when it comes to social interaction, they are virtually unmatched in the time they can/want to spend with their human companion.

Macaw

Everything about a macaw is enormous, from its bulk to its personality. However, they are a force to be reckoned with; without excellent, consistent training, macaws expect to receive everything they desire. However, they can develop a respectable vocabulary and a variety of squawks, whistles, and mimicry.

Macaws require extensive training and may develop “habits” such as lunging at humans with their massive beaks, which is a common macaw “game” and not typically an indication of aggression. Owners of macaws must devote a substantial quantity of time to socialization and training. They must also be tolerant of a great deal of bird noise and a moderate amount of habitat devastation, as these large beaks will consume everything within their reach. Outstanding, bonded personalities can compensate for a limited vocabulary and loud noises for the devoted and experienced avian owner.

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Myna Bird

These little birds are social, intelligent, and eager to show off a variety of vocalizations, including whistles, screeches, and words. Myna birds can learn up to 100 words, short phrases, and other sounds. They love their human companions but are not fond of being cuddled or learning tricks—they are much more independent.

Mynas generally adjust well to being caged, and their diet is heavily fruit-based, meaning the poop is soft, runny, and relatively smelly. This means that care and feeding are more intensive than many other birds. Instead, the myna requires a specially prepared, heavily fruit-laden diet. For owners able to put in the work and maintenance needed for these unique birds, the reward is up to 25 years of companionship.

African Grey

The African grey parrot tops the list of the most intelligent-talking parrots. Considered to have the intellect of a 2–3-year-old toddler, they can learn at least 1,000 words. African greys can imitate sounds; however, their intelligence gets them into great difficulty. They frequently discover places within the home to destroy and other means of causing disorder. They can also be highly temperamental and have excruciating attacks.

African greys are only suitable pets for individuals with extensive bird experience, patience, and ample time to socialize and train their new companions. Due to this, they frequently change hands; a 10-year-old bird may have already lived in six or seven residences, which is unfair to the bird. Those willing to work with the “attitude” of the African grey may be rewarded with up to eighty years of humorous impersonation, commentary, and entertainment.

Things to think about before getting a new bird as a pet

Adopting a bird is a long-term, life-changing event with duties similar to getting a new dog. But the benefits include years of social contact with your bird, whether or not it talks. Each species has its pros and cons. Some do well in a cage, while others don’t. Some need exceptional food, while others can eat pelleted bird food.

Some parrots make loud calls and noises that can drive your neighbors crazy, while others are happy with a quieter tone that sounds like they are talking. Study the species you want to adopt and the specific animal you want to keep to find out how it acts and what it needs. This will ensure you and your new bird friend have many happy years together.