The Best Talking Pet Birds

Many pet owners enjoy birds because they can learn to talk. Not all pet bird breeds have this ability, and some, like conures, are limited in their speech. However, there are many types of pet birds that are known for their talking talent. They range in size from large down to small, so you can find a talking pet bird that fits comfortably into your household.

  1. African Grey Parrots

    • According to Bird Talk magazine, African Grey parrots are very intelligent and can learn a vocabularly of several hundred words. Many also learn how to say those words in context. For example, they might learn to ask for their blue toy or a certain kind of food, using the correct descriptive words for the object they desire. They can also learn how to mimic the voices of various family members, speaking in different voices depending on the circumstances, and to sing songs.

    Eclectus

    • Eclectus birds can become talented talkers, learning to talk, sing and imitate sounds. Some eclectus fanciers believe that their talking ability is almost as good as that of an African Grey. They can mimic different voices and use words in context, and their vocabulary can run from dozens to hundreds of words.

    Quaker Parrots

    • Quaker parrots are relatively small parrots, but they can develop large vocabularies on a par with bigger birds. Quaker parrots can learn dozens of words, and some can use them in context. According to Bird Talk magazine, they can also learn to mimic sounds, and many are able to sing songs. Some Quaker parrots are "closet talkers," preferring to speak when no one is around. They may practice new words in private, and then speak in the presence of humans once they have perfected the words.

    Parakeets

    • Many people do not think of parakeets as talking birds, but this is because female parakeets do not speak. Males can be very talented talkers. According to Bird Talk, a male parakeet named Puck holds the Guiness World Record for "The Most Talking Bird" because he has a 1,700-word vocabulary. Parakeets tend to speak quickly and softly, so it can take some practice before you recognize their words.