Birds can be wonderful pets. They’re smart, funny and full of personality. But they’re also a big commitment, and some species are a lot harder to care for than others.
If you’re new to birds, start with one that’s known for being friendly, adaptable and forgiving of a few beginner mistakes. Here are 12 great options.
1. Budgerigar (Budgie)
Budgies are small, cheerful and one of the most popular pet birds in the world for good reason. They’re affordable, easy to tame with patience and some even learn to talk. They usually live 5 to 10 years, sometimes longer with great care.
2. Cockatiel
Cockatiels are gentle, affectionate and famous for their whistling. Many love to sit on your shoulder and get head scratches. They can live 15 to 20 years or more, so plan for the long haul.
3. Canary
If you love birdsong but don’t want a hands-on bird, a canary is a great pick. Males are the singers. They’re happy to be admired rather than handled.
4. Zebra Finch
Finches are tiny, busy and fun to watch. They do best in pairs or small groups and don’t need much handling. A roomy flight cage gives them space to zip around.
5. Lovebird
Lovebirds are small parrots with big personalities. A single lovebird that gets daily attention can become very bonded to its person. They can be a little feisty, so they’re better for older kids and adults.
6. Parrotlet
Parrotlets pack a whole parrot personality into a bird about the size of a budgie. They’re bold and curious and need daily interaction to stay tame.
7. Green-Cheeked Conure
Green-cheeked conures are playful clowns that love to hang upside down and snuggle in your hand. They’re quieter than most conures, which makes them a good fit for families.
8. Ringneck Dove
Doves are calm, quiet and gentle. Their soft cooing is soothing, and they rarely bite. They’re a great choice if you want a mellow bird.
9. Bourke’s Parakeet
Bourke’s parakeets are soft-spoken, sweet-natured birds with pretty pink feathers. They’re most active at dawn and dusk and are known for being peaceful.
10. Pionus Parrot
For someone ready for a medium-sized parrot, the pionus is one of the calmest. They’re less demanding than many parrots, but they can live 25 years or more.
11. Senegal Parrot
Senegals are smart, playful and a manageable size. They often bond closely with one person, so involve the whole family in handling and care.
12. Quaker Parrot
Quakers are excellent talkers and very social. Before you fall in love, check your local laws. Quaker parrots are restricted or banned in some states.
Before you bring a bird home
Every bird needs a roomy cage, a varied diet (not just seeds), daily time out of the cage and lots of toys. Many live a long time, so think about who will care for them in 10 or 20 years. Find an avian vet near you before you need one. Then get ready for a lot of chirpy, feathery fun.
Featured image: Melopsittacus undulatus -a family of five pet Budgerigars-8a by mary bernadette de vera, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons (cropped)
