The 12 Best Types of Birds to Keep as Pets, Ranked

#12 African Grey Parrots

African grey parrots are among the most popular pet parrots in the world. These medium-sized birds grow to about 13 inches long with an impressive wingspan of 18 to 20 inches. African grey parrots reside in Equatorial Africa where they inhabit dense forests and open savannahs.

There are two distinct types – the Congo and Timneh African grey parrot. The Congo African grey is more common in the pet trade and has grey plumage and red tail feathers.

Many parrot owners choose African greys because of their high intelligence, excellent trainability, and mimicking abilities. African grey parrots are not for everyone though, and it is important to do plenty of research before bringing one home.

These parrots require very large cage setups, a proper diet, and plenty of daily enrichment to prevent boredom. With proper care and access to veterinary treatment, African greys can live for 40 to 100 years.

#11 Quaker Parrots

Quaker or monk parrots are small green parakeets in the Myiopsitta genus. These birds are native to South America and inhabit lush woodlands. Most quaker parrots are predominantly green with a white underbelly and blue tail feathers. However, there is a variation that has blue plumage too. They grow to about 12 inches long and can live for over 30 years in captivity.

Quaker parrots are vocal birds that love singing and talking to communicate. This makes them a better choice for people who can tolerate a noisy bird. Quaker parrots enjoy socializing in aviaries or large cages and thrive from their species’ companionship.

#10 Senegal Parrots

Senegal parrots are small birds at only 9 inches long with have striking green and orange plumage. They are naturally curious and friendly bird’s native to central western Africa. There are two subspecies of Senegal parrots, namely Poicephalus senegalus senegulus and the P. s. versteri.

These parrots are perfect for people looking for an intelligent bird with comical behaviors and high trainability. Senegal parrots thrive in spacious cages with opportunities to regularly interact with their owners. They tend to become “one person-only” birds and could show aggression to other people if not well socialized.

#9 Cockatoos

There are around 21 different cockatoo species, with the sulphur-crested cockatoo common as a pet. Other popular types include the umbrella and bare-eyed cockatoo. They are native to parts of New Guinea and Australia, but wild populations have been introduced far outside their native range.

Cockatoos make great pets for those who can meet all of their care requirements for the next 40 to 80 years of their life. A proper cage setup is essential for cockatoos, and they can become bored if their needs are not being met. If do not like a vocal bird, then a cockatoo will not be a good choice for you.

#8 Conures

Conures are vibrant birds living throughout South and Central America. Sun and green-cheek conures are the most popular types as pets. They are medium birds between 10 to 18 inches in size. Conures are native to South and Central America and inhabit tropical and lowland forests or dry savannahs.

Most conures are brightly colored with a sweet disposition. They thrive in spacious cages with plenty of enrichment from toys and accessories to explore. Conures can live for over 30 years with proper care and a healthy diet.

#7 Parrotlets

Parrotlets are small birds from the Psittacidae family with an average length of 5 inches. These small birds are often sociable and require slightly smaller cages than most medium-sized parrots. Several types of parrotlets are kept as pets, such as the Pacific and green-rumped parrotlets. These birds contain numerous fascinating colors, such as pastel blue, green, and white.

They are equally friendly and talkative birds that enjoy interacting with their owners but also do not mind a few hours of independence. Parrotlets love to climb, so try to keep their cage spacious but set up with different perches, hanging toys, and climbing accessories.

#6 Amazon Parrots

There are over 30 different species of Amazon parrots with most being native to South America. They make excellent pets with their playful temperaments and high intelligence. Most Amazon parrots can live for over 50 years with proper care. Genetics, diet, and environment play a major role in their overall lifespan.

Amazon parrots do not disappoint with their endless colors, which vary between the species. These parrots can either be medium or large-sized, with an average length of 10 to 20 inches. Amazon parrots are omnivores and eat various nuts, seeds, berries, and vegetation. A healthy and balanced diet in captivity is essential for Amazon parrots as an improper diet may take a toll on their health.

#5 Lovebirds

Lovebirds are small, colorful birds from the Agapornis genus. There are only nine species of lovebirds, and few of these make good pets. Some popular species include the rosy-faced and Fischer’s lovebirds with an average size of 6 to 8 inches. Lovebirds have vibrant plumage consisting of striking greens, oranges, violets, and blues.

Caring for a lovebird involves setting up a large cage with plenty of accessories they can climb and interact with. They generally make good pet birds and have bubbly personalities that many people love. Lovebirds do not live as long as most parrots and have a life expectancy of 15 to 30 years.

#4 Finches

Finches are the smallest pet birds on this list, with an average size of 4 to 6 inches. They are incredibly popular birds with pleasant chirps and social temperaments. There are numerous types of finches, with the zebra and Gouldian finch being popular pets.

Finches are available in various colors which is species dependent. People often choose finches because of their small size and easier care requirements than parrots. Finches should be housed communally as they are naturally social birds.

A downside to keeping finches is that they are not very tolerant of handling and generally keep to themselves. They are more of a watch-only bird and not an interactive one.

#3 Canaries

Canaries are beautiful birds that have been domesticated since the 17^th century. They have distinctive yellow plumage. Many cartoons and films represent them. Canaries are descendants of finches from Africa’s Canary Islands, and they have a sweet song. They do not squawk or mimic words like parrots, so they are a better choice for those looking for a non-talking songful bird. Canaries only live for about 10 to 20 years, depending on their care.

#2 Budgerigar

Budgerigar, or simply budgies, are small parrots native to Australia. However, the English budgies created through selective breeding were developed in the United Kingdom. They are very colorful and vocal birds with a reputation as “good pet birds for beginners”. They are relatively easy to care for provided you keep them in a proper cage setup.

Budgies might not be as hardy as some other parrots, so it is essential to care for them properly. The average lifespan for budgies is about 10 to 15 years. Furthermore, budgies are found in different color variations that make them interesting to look at.

#1 Doves

The final and best pet bird on our list are doves, the captive-bred ones of course. Doves have been associated with humans for centuries and have adapted to living with us for longer than many other pet birds.

Doves are incredibly docile and affectionate birds that can easily bond with their owners. They are not very vocal and do not screech or mimic words and sounds which some people may find annoying.

Plus, doves are found in an assortment and pretty colors, such as white. Their overall appearance will vary between the numerous species. Mourning and ring-necked doves are usually favored as pets. Most pet doves are easy to handle and thrive with proper care.