Birds are known for their attractive qualities. However, it is their amazing capability to repeat human speech that makes them unique as companion pets. This is also the reason why parrots have been popular for generations.
Aside from their capability to mimic speech, they are also engaging, charming, and really remarkable. If you are interested in keeping a talking bird, here are some of the best varieties out there.
#1 Parakeets
It often comes as surprising for many bird fanatics that the tiny parakeets can talk. In fact, they may even be better talkers that other bigger parrot species. Some parakeets have even been observed to develop certain vocabularies ranging up to hundreds of words. They have gruff voices, which can sometimes be challenging to decipher what they are saying. However, those who care for them as pets often find their beloved parakeets become chatterboxes all throughout.
Parakeets have an average lifespan of about 7 to 10 years. Aside from being able to talk, they are also loved for their friendly personality, making them among the most adored companion birds. They love to be handled for at least half an hour a day. As they are easily trained and smart, they can be taught easy commands such as “step up” or “step down” as they do so on your hand, or when placing them back in their cage. Parakeets are also known as budgies.
Parakeets usually reach up to 7 inches in length, which means that if you are looking for smaller talking birds, they are a good option to take into consideration. They are also head turners, with their green body and black wing marks, combined with their yellow head, and captive-bred colors of gray, blue, violet, white, and yellow colors.
#2 Quaker Parrots
The beautiful Quaker Parrots are also known as Monk Parakeets. For the longest time, they have been prized because of their talking capabilities, combined with their charming personalities. These birds are known to build an extensive range of vocabulary, while other owners also observe that their birds can also use words in context. Quaker parrots are recommended for owners who are looking for a bigger parrot, but one that is in a more compact package. Owners of Quaker Parrots describe them as social and smart.
Quaker Parrots can reach up to 11 inches in length, with 4 to 5 ounces in weight. In terms of physical characteristics, they come in a bright green, blue, or white body. They also feature gray breast and cheeks, with a throat that is similar to that of the clothing during the colonial era.
#3 Amazon Parrots
Amazon Parrots are known for having an exceptional speaking ability. They are not only admired for their capability to build large and impressive vocabularies, but also for their amazing voice clarity which rivals other types of parrots. Aside from their ability to talk, they are also observed to be adept at learning tricks, making them quite an entertaining bird, fit for those who are interested in having a pet that an entire family can interact with.
These birds are also described as playful, boisterous and outgoing, with some of them even liking to sing. The males have a reputation of showing off their macho behavior, flaring their tail features, pinning their yes, and strutting across the tabletop or floor.
These birds can reach a length of up to 13 to 15 inches, with 7 to 25 ounces in weight. They have green body feathers, with over 14 subspecies of this bird having different bird colors.
#4 African Grey Parrots
Within the past few years, African Grey Parrots have observed an increase in popularity, mainly because of studies that presented an even better insight into their extreme intelligence. African Greys are amazing talkers. In fact, most of them pick up words fast while being able to speak with great clarity.
There are also reports coming from owners that they actually thought that they were talking to a human family member, only to discover that it was their bird mimicking a member of the family’s voice. Even though these birds are amazing and fascinating, they still need a significant amount of special care, which usually includes at least 5 hours a day of socializing. This means that having one at home is not an easy decision to make.
Research on African Grey Parrots shows that the intelligence of these birds is similar to that of a human toddler. These birds are sensitive, with a personality similar to a cat. This is because they seem to have a way of getting what they want.
African Greys are medium to the large size of birds, reaching up to 13 inches in length. They also weigh between 15 to 18 ounces. As suggested by its name, they come in different shades of gray on the body, with their distinct red tail feathers.
#5 Severe Macaws
Severe Macaws are considered as the biggest among the mini-Macaws. Their big personality makes them a favorite among bird enthusiasts. These smaller versions of the Macaw bird are not as verbose in comparison to other parrots, but they have the capacity to mimic human speech.
Just like other Macaw species, they are skilled at learning short phrases, and some are even observed singing snippets of songs through their speech are not as clear as other talking birds. With adequate care and socialization, Severe Macaws can still learn to use their inner voices as they bond with their happy owners. At times, they can be loud. Their voice is a part of their nature, as they talk better. They love repeating a silly and loud voice that will give you a smile on your face. Their ability to talk never fails to cheer a crowd up.
Without a doubt, they are among the cuddliest, funniest, and affectionate pets out there. They are also entertainers, making them loved and popular worldwide. They are fun and silly at the same time, with a lovable and energetic personality that is always friendly, wanting to be the center of attention. They are also known for their long lifespan, making them wonderful companions for a lifetime.
They’re Not All Talk
Many talking birds actually make good pets, given that they are provided with the right cage, training, food, and attention. These birds may make delightful companions, but they do not give up their bird language the moment that they learn how to mimic human speech. Some of them emit annoying squawks and screams most of the day.
This means that it’s not all talk for these birds. Their food, cages, treats, and toys can create a hole in your wallet. These birds are intelligent, which means that they have the tendency to get frustrated when not provided with the proper motivation and attention. It is also realistic to expect that some never even learn to talk, regardless of their kind.
If you really want to get a talking bird, it is recommended to research first their specific personality traits, along with other care requirements, in order to see which one best fits your care capabilities and lifestyle.
