Ever fancied a pet that sings in the morning, chats back now and then, or just flutters about looking lovely? You’re not alone. Birds are brilliant companions. They don’t need walking, they don’t shed fur all over the sofa, and some of them can even say your name. But if you’ve never had one before, it’s hard to know which are the best pet birds for beginners.
Now, not every bird suits a beginner. Some are far too noisy, some are far too needy, and some are just a bit too clever for their own good. But don’t worry. Even if you’ve got a cosy flat or a family garden, there are feathered friends out there in their different colours, like blue, yellow, that are easy to care for, cheerful to be around, and not too fussy about their food.
So if you’re ready to find the perfect flappy companion without getting completely in a flap, you’re in the right place. Let’s explore the world of the best pet birds for beginners.
10 Best Pet Birds For Beginners
1. Budgerigar (or Budgie)
Budgies are top of the list for first-time bird owners. They’re playful, friendly, and love good chatter. Some even learn to mimic simple words and sounds, which always brings a smile. They don’t need much space and are happy with a modest cage, a few toys, and regular attention.
Sociable but not too demanding, a budgerigar makes a lovely companion and is one of the best pet birds for beginners who want a cheerful little bird. They enjoy routine and will quickly settle into the rhythm of your day. With just a bit of care, they’ll return the favour with chirps, whistles, and plenty of charm.
2. Cockatiel
Cockatiels are gentle birds with heaps of personality. They love attention, often whistle tunes, and quickly pick up household sounds. You might even catch one mimicking your phone’s ringtone.
They enjoy spending time with their humans and thrive when included in daily routines. A bit more space is needed than with a budgie, but they’re still easy to manage.
Cockatiels are great around children and tend to bond closely with their favourite person. With a little patience and kindness, you’ll have a loyal, feathered friend who’s always happy to see you.
3. Canary
If you’re after a bird that’s more about soothing songs than snuggles, the canary is perfect. These lovely little birds prefer to keep to themselves but offer beautiful, melodic tunes in return. Males are the real performers, often singing throughout the day with a soft, cheerful tone.
They’re low-maintenance, tidy, and well-suited to quieter homes, making them one of the best pet birds for beginners. A canary won’t sit on your shoulder, but it will fill your space with a peaceful, happy sound. All they ask is a clean cage, good food, and a bit of sunlight to sing their best.
4. Lovebird
Don’t let the size fool you. Lovebirds are full of energy and character. They’re colourful, confident, and enjoy bonding closely with their humans, especially if hand-tamed when young.
These birds can get quite chatty and need sturdy toys to keep them busy. Left alone too long, they may get a bit cheeky or noisy.
A single lovebird can be a brilliant companion, but they also do well in pairs if you’re short on time. With the right care, they’ll bring endless fun and mischief to your day. They thrive on interaction, so a bit of daily attention goes a long way.
5. Parrotlet
Like Lovebirds, Parrotlets may be small, but they’ve got plenty of personality packed into their tiny frames. These birds are lively, curious, and often form strong bonds with their owners, just like a goose.
They enjoy learning tricks and will happily explore your hand, shoulder, or even your hair if you let them. A single parrotlet usually does best on its own, as pairs can become too focused on each other and less social with people.
If you are looking for the best pet birds for beginners, they are a very good choice. Their care is simple, but they do need regular attention and stimulation to stay happy. With the right handling and daily interaction, a parrotlet will reward you with affection, clever antics, and a whole lot of charm.
6. Dove
Doves are calm, quiet, and wonderfully easy to care for. They’re ideally one of the best pet birds for beginners who want a gentle companion without too much fuss. These birds are not particularly cuddly, but they enjoy being near you and will happily flutter about without causing a stir. They prefer flying space over toys, so a roomy cage is important.
Their soft cooing is soothing rather than noisy, making them perfect for relaxed households. With a bit of care and kindness, a dove can bring a lovely sense of calm to your home.
7. Green-Cheeked Conure
Green-cheeked conures are playful birds with a silly streak. They love to interact, show off, and often entertain their owners with funny little antics.
Although they belong to the parrot family, they are surprisingly quiet compared to others in their group. This makes them one of the best pet birds for beginners who want a lively bird without too much noise.
They do best with regular handling and a good variety of toys to keep their minds active. With daily attention and a bit of patience, a green-cheeked conure becomes a loyal and loving feathered friend.
8. Pionus Parrot
The pionus parrot is a quiet soul with a sweet nature, making it a lovely choice for beginners who prefer a calmer bird. It may be a little shy at first, but with time and gentle interaction, it becomes friendly and affectionate.
They are not known for loud calls, so they suit homes where peace is preferred. Their colourful feathers and steady temperament make them a delight to watch and be around.
Pionus parrots live long lives and need space to stretch and explore. They are best suited to owners who want a steady, low-drama companion with a lovely personality.
9. Amazon Parrot
Amazon parrots are full of energy and personality. They love to talk, sing, and often become the centre of attention wherever they are. These birds are clever and confident, which means they need lots of interaction and mental stimulation. They enjoy learning tricks and thrive when included in daily life.
Their voices can be loud, so they may not be ideal for quieter homes or flats. They also need a large cage and plenty of toys to stay happy and healthy. With the right care and commitment, an Amazon parrot can become a charming and entertaining lifelong companion.
10. Hyacinth Macaw
The hyacinth macaw is a stunning bird with deep blue feathers and a gentle nature. Known as the largest flying parrot in the world, it is both impressive and affectionate. These birds form strong bonds with their owners and thrive on attention. They are calm and loving but need a great deal of space, time, and proper care.
Their size means a large setup is essential, along with a diet that includes plenty of nuts and fresh food. They are not ideal for first-time bird owners unless you are fully prepared and committed. They are also not as common as garden birds.
The hyacinth macaw can be one of the best pet birds for beginners with experience and room to spare.
Conclusion
Choosing the best pet birds for beginners makes all the difference when starting your journey as a pet owner. Whether you want a chatty companion or a quiet little singer, there’s a perfect feathered friend out there for you. With the right care and a bit of daily attention, even beginner-friendly birds can bring years of joy. Start small, stay curious, and enjoy every chirp, coo, and flutter along the way.
FAQs
Do birds love their owners?
Yes, many birds form close bonds and enjoy regular affection from their chosen person
What is the calmest pet bird?
Doves and pionus parrots are known for being especially gentle and calm around people.
Which pet bird is the cleanest?
Canaries and finches are tidy, low-maintenance birds that require minimal mess and simple cleaning.
What is the friendliest type of pet bird?
Cockatiels and budgies are friendly, sociable birds that often enjoy human interaction and affection.
What is the easiest bird to keep as a pet?
Budgies are small, low-fuss birds that adapt well and are easy to care for.
