What Are the Best Birds for Pets?

The best birds for pets are budgies, cockatiels, lovebirds, canaries, finches, green-cheeked conures, parrotlets, Quaker parrots, Senegal parrots, African greys, macaws, and cockatoos. The right one for you comes down to how much noise, space, time, and money you can give. Small birds like budgies and cockatiels are the easiest and best for beginners. Larger parrots like African greys and macaws are brilliant and loving, but they need experienced owners and a lifetime of care.

Birds are one of the most rewarding pets you can bring home. They are smart, social, and full of personality, and many forms deep bonds with their owners. This guide ranks the 12 best pet birds and breaks each one down by size, noise, talking ability, lifespan, price, and who it suits best, so you can choose with confidence.

Bird keeping is on the rise in the United States. The American Pet Products Association (APPA) reports that about 6 million U.S. households now own birds, and younger owners are driving the growth. In its 2025 Bird, Small Animal and Horse Report, APPA found that Gen Z now makes up 22 percent of bird owners, a 22 percent jump from 2023. Parakeets remain the most popular pet bird, and cockatiel ownership is on the rise.

At BirdsJungle, we raise and ship hand-fed, DNA-tested birds across the USA and Canada, so much of the guidance below comes from real, hands-on experience with these species.

The 12 Best Birds for Pets at a Glance

Use this table to compare your options fast. Prices are typical starting points for a healthy, hand-raised bird and will vary by color, age, and source.

Bird	Size	Lifespan (avg)	Noise	Talks	Care	Price from	Best for
Budgie (Parakeet)	7 in	7 to 15 yrs	Low to moderate	Yes	Easy	$50	First-timers, kids
Cockatiel	12 in	15 to 20 yrs	Moderate	Whistles	Easy	$50	Families
Lovebird	5 to 7 in	10 to 15 yrs	Moderate	Rarely	Easy to mod.	$25	Affectionate, colorful
Canary	4 to 5 in	8 to 15 yrs	Low (song)	Sings	Easy	$50	Hands-off, song
Finch	4 in	5 to 10 yrs	Low	No	Easy	$20	Observers, pairs
Green-Cheeked Conure	10 in	15 to 25 yrs	Moderate	A few words	Moderate	$325	Playful, apartment
Parrotlet	4 to 5 in	15 to 20 yrs	Low to mod.	A few words	Moderate	$100	Bold, small homes
Quaker Parrot	11 in	20 to 30 yrs	Mod. to high	Strong	Moderate	$279	Chatty (check laws)
Senegal Parrot	9 in	25 to 30 yrs	Low to mod.	Some words	Moderate	$699	Quiet parrot, apartment
African Grey	13 in	40 to 60+ yrs	Moderate	Best talker	Advanced	$1,500	Experienced owners
Blue-and-Gold Macaw	33 in	30 to 50+ yrs	High	Good talker	Advanced	$1,600	Experienced, space
Cockatoo	13 to 24 in	40 to 70+ yrs	Very high	Some words	Advanced	$1,500	Very experienced only

Lifespan figures are averages for well-cared-for birds, and many live longer. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) notes that cockatiels average 16 years but can pass 30, and recorded lifespans for large parrots range from 20 years to more than 100.

What Makes a Bird a Good Pet?

Not every bird fits every home. Before you fall for a pretty face, weigh these six things.

• Temperament. Some birds crave cuddles. Others prefer to be watched, not held.
• Size. Bigger birds need bigger cages, more food, and more room to fly.
• Noise. A budgie chirps softly. A macaw can scream loud enough to fill a house.
• Lifespan. Small birds live 5 to 20 years. Large parrots can outlive their owners.
• Care level. Finches are low effort. Parrots need daily interaction and training.
• Cost. The bird is just the start. Cages, food, toys, and vet care add up for years.

Match the bird to your real life, not your dream life. A busy apartment dweller and a retiree with a big house and free time should not pick the same bird.

Best Pet Birds for Beginners

New to birds? Start here. These species are small, friendly, and forgiving, which makes them the best pet birds for beginners and kids.

Budgerigar (Budgie or Parakeet)

Size: about 7 in   |   Lifespan: 7 to 15 yrs   |   Noise: low to moderate   |   Talks: yes   |   Care: easy   |   From: $50

The budgie is the most popular pet bird in the world, and for good reason. These little parrots are cheerful, affordable, and easy to tame with daily handling. Despite their size, they have huge personalities.

Budgies can also talk. Some have learned hundreds of words, and a few hold world records for the largest bird vocabularies. Males tend to be the better talkers.

They fit small homes, make a great first bird for children, and come in almost every color. If you want one bird that does a little of everything, the budgie is hard to beat. See our budgie parakeets.

Cockatiel

Size: 12 to 13 in   |   Lifespan: 15 to 20 yrs   |   Noise: moderate   |   Talks: whistles, some words   |   Care: easy   |   From: $50

Cockatiels are gentle, affectionate, and famous for their crest and orange cheek patches. They love head scratches and time on your shoulder, which makes them a favorite family bird.

They are better whistlers than talkers. Many learn tunes, and some pick up a few words, with males usually the more vocal. Give a cockatiel at least an hour of out-of-cage time a day, and you get a loyal, easygoing companion for two decades or more.

Lovebird

Size: 5 to 7 in   |   Lifespan: 10 to 15 yrs   |   Noise: moderate   |   Talks: rarely   |   Care: easy to moderate   |   From: $25

Lovebirds pack the personality of a big parrot into a tiny body. They are bold, playful, and deeply affectionate with their owners.

A single lovebird will bond closely with you if you spend real time together, while a pair will bond with each other, which suits owners who are away more. They can be a little feisty and territorial, so early, gentle handling matters. Their bright colors and lively antics make them a joy to watch.

Canary

Size: 4 to 5 in   |   Lifespan: 8 to 15 yrs   |   Noise: low (song)   |   Talks: no, sings   |   Care: easy   |   From: $50

Canaries are the classic songbird. Males fill a room with beautiful song, especially in spring, and they do not need handling, which makes them perfect for hands-off owners.

They prefer to be admired rather than touched, and they do best with room to fly in a tall flight cage. If you want music and color without daily cuddles, a male canary is a wonderful choice.

Finch

Size: about 4 in   |   Lifespan: 5 to 10 yrs   |   Noise: low   |   Talks: no   |   Care: easy   |   From: $20

Finches are tiny, active, and best kept in pairs or small groups. Watching them flit and chatter is calming and endlessly entertaining.

They are not hands-on birds and prefer minimal handling. Give them a wide cage with room to fly and a companion or two, and they mostly take care of themselves. Finches are one of the best low-maintenance pet birds you can own.

Best Intermediate Pet Birds

Ready for a bird with more brains and a deeper bond? These species need more time and training, but they reward you with real relationships. Several are quiet enough for apartments.

Green-Cheeked Conure

Size: about 10 in   |   Lifespan: 15 to 25 yrs   |   Noise: moderate   |   Talks: a few words   |   Care: moderate   |   From: $325

Green-cheeked conures are the clowns of the bird world. They are playful, cuddly, and full of mischief, often riding around under a shirt or hanging upside down for fun.

They are quieter than most conures, which makes them one of the more apartment-friendly parrots. They can learn a few words, though they are loved more for personality than speech. Meet our hand-raised green-cheeked conures.

Parrotlet

Size: 4 to 5 in   |   Lifespan: 15 to 20 yrs   |   Noise: low to moderate   |   Talks: a few words   |   Care: moderate   |   From: $100

Parrotlets are often called pocket parrots. They are the smallest parrots kept as pets, yet they act like tiny macaws: bold, confident, and clever.

They can be territorial if they are not handled often, so daily socializing keeps them sweet. For owners who want big-parrot character in a small, quiet package, a parrotlet is a great fit.

Quaker Parrot (Monk Parakeet)

Size: 11 to 12 in   |   Lifespan: 20 to 30 yrs   |   Noise: moderate to high   |   Talks: strong talker   |   Care: moderate   |   From: $279

Quaker parrots are chatty, funny, and quick to bond. They are among the best talkers of the mid-sized parrots and can build an impressive vocabulary.

One thing to check first: Quakers are illegal to own in some U.S. states because escaped birds can form wild colonies. Confirm they are legal where you live before you buy. Where they are allowed, they make lively, devoted companions. Browse our Quaker parrots.

Senegal Parrot

Size: 9 to 10 in   |   Lifespan: 25 to 30 yrs   |   Noise: low to moderate   |   Talks: some words   |   Care: moderate   |   From: $699

If you want a parrot but not the volume, the Senegal is a standout. These calm West African birds are among the quietest parrots, which makes them a top pick for apartments.

They bond closely with their family and have a clever, curious nature. Senegals are a smart step up for owners who want a true parrot relationship without a house-filling scream. See our Senegal parrots.

Best Pet Birds for Experienced Owners

These birds are brilliant and loving, but they are a serious, decades-long commitment. They need space, training, daily interaction, and an owner who has done the research. They are not starter birds.

African Grey Parrot

Size: about 13 in   |   Lifespan: 40 to 60+ yrs   |   Noise: moderate   |   Talks: the best talker   |   Care: advanced   |   From: $1,500

The African grey is widely called the smartest pet bird. It can learn hundreds of words and, famously, use them in context, with problem-solving that rivals a young child.

That intelligence is also the challenge. Greys need heavy mental stimulation and a stable routine, or they can grow stressed and pluck their feathers. For a committed, experienced owner, few birds bond as deeply. Explore our African grey parrots, and learn how long African grey parrots live.

Blue-and-Gold Macaw

Size: up to 33 in   |   Lifespan: 30 to 50+ yrs   |   Noise: high   |   Talks: good talker   |   Care: advanced   |   From: $1,600

Macaws are the giants of the parrot world, with stunning color and larger-than-life personalities. Blue-and-golds are affectionate, playful, and often likened to dogs for their devotion.

They also need a large enclosure, plenty of out-of-cage time, and a home where a loud call will not bother the neighbors. For the right owner with space and time, a macaw is a spectacular lifelong friend. See our blue-and-gold macaws.

Cockatoo

Size: 13 to 24 in   |   Lifespan: 40 to 70+ yrs   |   Noise: very high   |   Talks: some words   |   Care: advanced   |   From: $1,500

Cockatoos are the ultimate Velcro birds. They are cuddly, emotional, and crave near-constant attention. Many owners compare living with one to raising a toddler that never grows up.

That need is real. A lonely cockatoo can scream and self-harm, so they suit only very experienced, very available owners. Rare species like the black palm cockatoo bond deeply but demand the most experience of all.

Best Birds by What You Want

Still deciding? Match your top priority to the right bird.

Best Talking Birds

For speech, the African grey leads, followed by the Quaker parrot, the budgie, and the blue-and-gold macaw. If you want a small talker, the budgie is the smartest and most affordable choice.

Best Quiet Birds for Apartments

The Senegal parrot, parrotlet, canary, and finch are among the quietest pet birds. A green-cheeked conure is a good pick if you want a playful parrot that will not deafen your neighbors.

Best Low-Maintenance Birds

Finches, canaries, and doves ask the least of you. They do not need daily handling, though they still need clean housing, fresh food, and space to fly.

Best Birds for Families with Kids

Budgies and cockatiels are the top family birds. They are gentle, hardy, forgiving of young hands, and small enough for children to help care for with supervision.

Best Small Pet Birds

Finches, parrotlets, budgies, lovebirds, and canaries all thrive in smaller homes. Small does not mean boring: parrotlets and budgies have some of the biggest personalities on this list.

How Long Do Pet Birds Live?

Birds live a long time, and that is the biggest thing new owners underestimate. Choosing a bird means planning years, sometimes decades, ahead. Here is a rough guide, based on figures from the AVMA and common avian care data.

• Finches: 5 to 10 years
• Budgies: 7 to 15 years
• Lovebirds: 10 to 15 years
• Cockatiels: 15 to 20 years, and some pass 30
• Conures and parrotlets: 15 to 25 years
• Quaker and Senegal parrots: 20 to 30 years
• African greys: 40 to 60 years or more
• Macaws and cockatoos: 30 to 70 years or more

The AVMA notes that recorded lifespans for large parrots range from 20 years to more than 100. A macaw bought today may need a plan for its care in your will. For a deeper look, see our guide on how long parrots live.

How Much Do Pet Birds Cost?

The purchase price is only the beginning. Plan for the bird, the setup, and years of ongoing care.

Upfront bird price. Small birds like finches, budgies, and lovebirds usually cost $20 to $150. Mid-sized parrots like conures, Quakers, and Senegals run a few hundred dollars. Large parrots like African greys, macaws, and cockatoos range from about $1,500 to $8,000 or more.

Why parrots cost so much. Most parrots sold in the United States are captive-bred. The Wild Bird Conservation Act of 1992 banned most wild-caught parrot imports, so breeders are the main source. Slow-breeding species like African greys and macaws stay in high demand and short supply, which keeps prices high. Hand-raised African grey prices, for example, have more than doubled over the past decade.

Setup and ongoing costs. Budget roughly $70 to $500 for a cage and $50 to $200 or more per month for food, toys, and routine care, with larger birds costing more. Yearly avian vet checkups are a must.

For a full breakdown by species, see our guide on how much a parrot costs.

How to Care for a Pet Bird

Every bird needs the same four basics done well: good housing, a proper diet, daily enrichment, and regular vet care.

Housing and Cage

Buy the biggest cage you can fit. Your bird should be able to spread its wings and move freely, and bar spacing must match its size so it cannot slip out or get stuck. Add perches of different widths, plus toys and a spot to bathe. Browse our bird cages and bird baths to set up a safe home.

Diet and Nutrition

A seed-only diet is one of the most common mistakes new owners make. Most birds do best on a base of formulated pellets, plus fresh vegetables, some fruit, and the occasional healthy treat. Fresh, clean water every day is a must. Explore our bird feeders to keep feeding tidy and simple.

Enrichment and Social Time

Birds are highly social and highly intelligent, so boredom is a real health risk. Rotate toys, offer foraging puzzles, and give daily out-of-cage time and attention. A neglected parrot may scream or pluck its feathers.

Health and Avian Vet Care

Find an avian vet before you bring a bird home, not after. Schedule a first checkup and yearly visits, watch for warning signs like fluffed feathers, appetite loss, or feather plucking, and act early.

Where to Buy a Healthy Pet Bird

Where you get your bird matters as much as which bird you pick. A healthy, well-socialized bird makes everything easier. You have three main options.

• Reputable breeders and specialty stores. The best source for hand-raised, well-socialized birds, especially larger parrots. Look for DNA testing, a health guarantee, and proper documentation.
• Adoption and rescue. A great, affordable way to give a bird a second home. Rescues may not have the exact species you want, and some birds need extra patience.
• Big-box pet stores. Convenient for small birds, but stock is limited and the birds can be less socialized than hand-raised ones.

BirdsJungle is a licensed wildlife dealer serving the USA and Canada. Every bird we ship is hand-raised, DNA-tested, vet health-checked, and CITES compliant, and each order is backed by our Live Arrival Guarantee. From beginner-friendly budgies to advanced macaws and cockatoos, you can browse our full range on the parrots page and across the shop.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best bird for a beginner?

The budgie is the best beginner bird. It is small, affordable, friendly, easy to tame, and can even learn to talk. Cockatiels and lovebirds are also excellent first birds.

What is the friendliest pet bird?

Cockatiels, budgies, and lovebirds are among the friendliest and most affectionate small birds. Among larger parrots, the blue-and-gold macaw is known for being especially sweet and social.

What is the best pet bird that talks?

The African grey is the best talking bird and can use words in context. For a smaller, cheaper talker, the budgie is remarkably capable, and Quaker parrots are strong mid-sized talkers.

What is the quietest pet bird for an apartment?

The Senegal parrot, parrotlet, canary, and finch are among the quietest pet birds. Green-cheeked conures are a good choice if you want a playful parrot without a loud scream.

What is the easiest bird to take care of?

Finches and canaries are the easiest to care for because they do not need daily handling. Among hands-on birds, budgies are the easiest to keep and tame.

How long do pet birds live?

Small birds like finches and budgies live 5 to 15 years. Cockatiels live 15 to 20 years or more. Large parrots like African greys and macaws can live 40 to 70 years or longer.

Are parrots good pets?

Yes. Parrots are intelligent, affectionate, and highly interactive. They do need daily attention, mental stimulation, and a long-term commitment, so they suit owners who can give real time and care.

What is the best low-maintenance pet bird?

Finches, canaries, and doves are the best low-maintenance birds. They still need clean housing, fresh food, and space, but they do not require daily handling or training.

How much does a pet bird cost?

Small birds cost $20 to $150, mid-sized parrots cost a few hundred dollars, and large parrots range from about $1,500 to $8,000 or more. Setup and monthly care add to the total.

What is a good pet bird for kids?

Budgies and cockatiels are the best birds for families with children. They are gentle, hardy, and small enough for kids to help care for with adult supervision.

Final Thoughts: Finding Your Perfect Pet Bird

So, what are the best birds for pets? For most first-time owners, a budgie or cockatiel is the perfect place to start. If you want a talker, look at the African grey or the Quaker. If you need quiet, the Senegal or a canary fits well. And if you have the space, time, and experience, a macaw or cockatoo can be the companion of a lifetime.

The best bird is the one that matches your home, your schedule, and your budget. Take your time, choose honestly, and you will gain a smart, loving friend for years to come. When you are ready, BirdsJungle can help you bring home a healthy, hand-raised bird, shipped safely across the USA and Canada and backed by our Live Arrival Guarantee. Explore our parrots and find your perfect match.