Quiet Talking Bird As a Pet

All birds make some amount of noise--singing, chirping and sometimes talking. Some are quieter than others. Some species of macaw, cockatoo, and African grey, as well as some smaller species like parrotlets and parakeets, can speak without raising a ruckus.

  1. Noise Considerations

    • The large macaws are among the noisiest pet birds.

      Wild parrots use their voices to communicate across miles of jungle, so even if you select a species reputed to be quieter, know that it might not always be able to contain itself. Training, attention, and properly meeting your pet bird's needs are the best ways to modify its behavior.

    Care Considerations

    • In addition to volume and lifespan, initial cost, housing, food, and vet costs should factor into your bird choice. Some species can cost hundreds of dollars to purchase, and a bird needs enough room in its cage to fully extend its wings. Birds also need exercise and mental stimulation from their surroundings, or they will resort to bad behavior, including destructive chewing, pulling out feathers, and loud screeching.

    Lifespan

    • Some species of cockatoo can live to 120 years.

      It isn't unusual for many species to live 30 to 50 years or longer. Expect even short-lived birds like parakeets to last 5 to 10 years. If you choose a long-lived bird, plan to make arrangements for its care should it outlive you.

    Quiet Birds

    • Hyacinth macaws and other large birds need plenty of space to stretch out.

      Talkative birds that can also be considered generally quiet are available in large, medium, and small species. Cockatoos are probably the largest, and while they can be quiet, it's in their nature to let out an ear-splitting screech now and then, a habit that shouldn't be entirely eliminated.

      It's a matter of opinion whether African greys are noisy, but no one disputes their great ability to mimic human speech. These popular birds are medium-sized, as are Senegal and eclectus parrots, both of which can learn to speak.

      None of the large macaws are even remotely quiet, but the medium-size yellow-collared macaw and some of the small mini macaws aren't as noisy and can learn to speak quite well.

      Other small species that are quiet yet can learn to talk include parakeets (budgies), cockatiels, parrotlets, and Quaker (monk) parrots. Plum-headed and rose-ringed parakeets are especially good speakers, as are Quaker parrots.

    Final Decision

    • Cockatiels make good starter birds that can learn to talk.

      Once you narrow down your choices, get to know the kinds of birds that interest you. Find other bird owners through a local club and visit rescuers or breeders to meet their birds. This is probably the best way to be sure before making a commitment to a relationship that could last beyond your own lifetime.