12 Popular Types of Best Pet Birds and Their Unique Personalities

Birds can make the most wonderful, gentle, and interesting pets, but not every bird can be equally good for a domesticated life. Beginners of bird owners prefer having a gentle and nature-friendly rather than an aggressive or shy one. Every bird has its own personality and needs, hence, needs individual treatment and care according to their preferences. When it comes to petting a bird, select the one that matches your lifestyle. So, lets uncover the Types of Best Pet Birds in detailed.

While selecting a pet bird, always go to a reputable breeder or bird store and select the healthy and well-socialized bird that will do great in every household. Being a beginner, if you are confused and curious about different kinds of pet birds, you are at the right place. In this Pet bird breeds guide, we’ve shortlisted the friendliest birds that can be kept as pets. Before moving on to bird types pets,  let’s go through what you must know and consider to have birds as pets!

What to Consider When Selecting a Pet Bird?

 To have feathered pets in your home, any beginner must be conscious of certain things. Birds’ characteristics and temperament need to align with the living conditions and lifestyle of the owner. No matter whether you are looking for popular or best pet birds for your home, the first step is researching different pet bird types.

Space

Keeping the physical and mental health of the animals in mind, ensure they have a proper space to cage them. The size and space in the cage must be enough for them to move freely. There are various best cage for pet birds in the market that match the user’s unique needs.

Variety

Each pet birds variety differs in terms of appearance, lifespan, temperament, and handling needs. Look for the most popular pet bird species and shortlist the one that goes well with your requirements, experience, and lifestyle.

Time and Attention

Some big pet birds like parrots need specialized care, attention, and interaction to prevent behavioural issues and loneliness. While some are natural content, like canaries and finches, that like to be on their own and don’t require special handling.

Noise & Toxicity Level

It would be good to be realistic about the expected noise birds can make. There are some bird pets that talk a lot like African greys and cockatoos are very vocal, which can be problematic for you and your neighbors as well. While some are peaceful, quiet, and gentle.

Allergy Issues

Pet buyers must be considerate about their issues with certain allergies to dust or birds themselves. Some species, like cockatoos, have more feather dust that can cause health issues in humans. To avoid any triggered reactions, consult with a vet as soon as possible.

Diet & Care

Nectar, Seeds, Nuts, Insects, Soft fruit, cylinders, cakes, butter formulations, and Suet in various blends are the foods they eat. But every species’ needs can vary when it comes to food, and they eat what they like among these items based on their type.

Veterinary Care

Know that you’ll need an avian vet’s help before buying a bird to get them checked for any kind of potential issues. Also, check if you can handle the expenses of the vet care, which can be occasional or frequent depending on the type purchased.

Budget

Prices are the first concern because some birds can be really expensive, costing hundreds or thousands of dollars. These costs can be for food, diet plan, supplies, accessories, grooming, and veterinary care.

Reputable Source

Note that selecting the trusted source matters a lot because you can have a guarantee of them being healthy. Look for any bird club, rescue organization, or a well-known breeder. Ask for the health report before having any kinds of birds for pets.

Lifespan

Some species tend to last for more than 50-60 years, while some barely survive for more than 5-6 years. Based on the type you’ve got,  be prepared for both short and long-term commitment. Because your pets definitely need your attention and care as long as they survive.

Top 12 Best Bird Types Pet Owners Like to Own

Some birds are good for beginners, while some are best for the experienced owners who know how to take care of them. Most of the bird enthusiasts look for the friendly pet bird species for companionship. Your search for the best pet birds for beginners ends here because we’ve summed up the most suitable choices that every pet owner will like to own.

1. Love Birds

Belongs to the old world parrot family, it is the most common feathered species that is small, affectionate, energetic, and highly social. They love to have a strong bond with their owners and each other as well. They love to have the whole attention from their mates, and that’s why often kept in pairs.

They show great companionship without any pressure. When it comes to easy-to-maintain and care for bird species pets, they are the best choices. Occasionally, they try to show dominance through aggression and nipping, which is why not recommended for households with young children.

Species Overview

2. Hyacinth Macaws

Macaws are the mighty birds that are the largest among all parrots. If you want to keep colorful pet birds as pets in your homes and apartments, this giant species can be considered. Not everyone can have the space to take care of them because they are perfect as large pet birds for families.

These macaws crave nothing more than affection and gentle handling from their owners. With a mesmerizing appearance, they attract the attention of the viewers. These parrots are pricier than most of the birds. They can be your lifelong companion when they are properly cared for.

Species Overview

3. Finches

Are you searching for small pet birds for apartments? A finch bird pet makes the greatest addition to any space. Finches are renowned for being the strongest, most highly adaptable, and quietest pet birds for homes. These little birds as pets are very easy to care for, hence, great for beginners. They are one of those social creatures that have a very pleasant voice and who love to spend time with each other.

Although they won’t like to be handled by humans, but can be trained to sit on your hand during feeding time. Rather than an active interaction, they love observing and watching over anything. They belong to the family of small seed-eating songbirds.

Species Overview

Related: 12 Different Types of Bird Feeders

4. Doves

Being a peace-loving owner, you might be looking for quiet pet birds. If this case is true, you can look for various dove breeds of birds for pets. With a quiet, affectionate, and gentle nature, they are easy to care for pet birds for beginners. That’s why they are good for pets with sensitive individuals and families.

They are social and like to form strong bonds with humans. Giving a proper seed or pellet diet and a spacious cage is all they need. Also, make sure you give them the proper attention that they deserve. To avoid any kind of potential health issues, they do need appropriate nutrition. Among all doves, ringneck doves are the most common pets, while diamond doves are also a rewarding option for households.

Species Overview

5. Parakeets

Parakeets are any one of the smallest bird pet with long tail feathers. This green and blue pet bird is the most affectionate, playful, and active species that is simple to train as well. If you are on the hunt for the most affordable pet birds to own, go for this beautiful creature. These friendly pet birds for kids can be kept as a pair to have a great playmate time, particularly when you are away.

These Budgies are one of the most fun species that are small, low-maintenance, and can learn to talk and perform a few tricks. Although they are easy to handle but their cage demands frequent cleaning because they can kick seeds out of their cages.

Species Overview

6. Cockatiels

Bird pets are rare, but when someone gets into it, they’ll always want to have low-maintenance pet birds.  Cockatiels are among those cool pet birds that have vocal abilities and can be trained further for whistling and words. They have the crest on the top that indicates the emotional state of a bird, like whenever they are angry or fearful, and the vertical crest shows they are excited or startled.

One of the best things about these cute pet birds with personality is the whistle. Also, they are the best talking birds as pets that love to make strong bonds with their owners. You need to give them proper attention and care as daily social interaction keeps them mentally stimulated and happy.

Species Overview

7. Canaries

For birdkeepers, canaries have been the most popular companion for many years, featuring 200 breeds with individual appearance and temperament. This canary bird pet comes in the indoor pet bird species list. Compared to other feathered species, they are shy and won’t like to be handled.

So, those who buy them need to work a little extra to overcome their timid nature. To stay healthy and happy, they need a relatively larger cage. Also, they are farmed for their excellent singing voice. They are considered best for beginners, not because of their pleasant singing and attractive appearance, but for easy and gentle caring. You can keep these canaries as singles or in pairs. 

Species Overview

8. African Grey Parrots

Another most coolest bird pets type besides cockatiels is the African Grey parrot. They are long-living, highly intelligent, and known for their ability to mimic humans. These parrot pet birds are considered native to the rainforests of West and Central Africa. Due to their genetic and appearance differences, they are categorized separately.

Being one of those pet birds that talk, it has good talking ability and shares a good bond with its owners. They need socialization training and daily interaction to keep themselves happy and mentally stimulated. Besides that, they tend to last for more than 50 years; therefore, before adopting them, make sure to commit to long companionship.

Species Overview

Also Check: What Do Birds Eat? | Best Conventional & Curious Diet Guide

9. Pionus Parrots

There comes another option among the best bird pets that is renowned for being gentle and quiet, hence, perfect for apartments or first-time owners. They are intelligent, distinctive, and less demanding with independent features. If you are allergy-conscious and looking for Pet birds safe for allergy sufferers,  pionus parrots are the best choice.

Although they are not good talkers, they can be trained to mimic speech. They like socialization but don’t mind being on their own for hours. You can offer them toys or allow exercise to keep them engaged. For people looking for lifelong companions, they are a wonderful choice with easy care and maintenance.

Species Overview

10. Green Cheeked Conures

Originating from South America’s forests, these green-cheeked conures are the most intelligent, playful, and quiet birds to have in any household. They love to bond with their owners and socialize as well to stay happy and energetic. Compared to other conures, these green pet birds are quiet and a little shyer. If you are looking for companion birds for singles, these conures can be the best.

These small-sized birds require one-on-one attention and interaction to thrive in any household. They are easygoing and can be trained for some kinds of tricks. However, they are not good at being talkative. To play games, they need their owner or toys. Although they can be handled easily, they can be destructive when startled and are not socialized properly.

Species Overview

11. Amazon Parrots

If you are ready to live with a sociable and intelligent breed for more than 40 years, this Amazon parrot is surely what you need to keep yourself amused. They are medium to large-sized birds that have a clownish nature but are playful. Besides their jolly nature, they are athletic, curious, and highly comfortable being handled by their owners. They need to be hand-raised from a young age and require several interactions to prevent depression and destruction.

Provide them a free access to their cage so they don’t feel threatened, and they will appreciate it. These pet birds with long lifespans need social interaction, loud vocalization, and mental stimulation. Before adopting these birds for pets, make sure you are ready for a lifelong commitment.

Species Overview

12. Budgerigar

Budgies, also known as parakeets, are the most popular birds in the United States. They come in various white, green, yellow, and blue shades. These small parrots as pets are ideal for first-time pet owners because they are friendly and talkative, hence, good for lonely individuals. These are the extraordinary, fun-loving, affectionate, and friendly birds that can be kept solo and in pairs.

They are easy to care for and can be properly tamed for many bird tricks. Once they learn to talk, they have a broader vocabulary than a cockatoo. They are among those pet birds that don’t bite and can eat a variety of foods, including fruits and vegetables. As they are flock birds, they are good for companionship, and you can keep more than one for a devoted interaction.

Species Overview

To Sum Up

Hundreds and thousands of pets and birds are there to adopt to make them a wonderful companion in your lifelong journey. Among different types of bird pets, we’ve categorized the famous ones that are ideal for bird ownership.

Whether you want to differentiate Finch vs parakeet as pets or Exotic vs domestic pet birds, we’ve covered all the details in this pet bird food and care guide. Besides the type of best pet birds, you’ll get to know how long do pet birds live, their temperament, behavior, and personality traits to find the most suitable option to own. 

FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions