What Are the Top Ten Talking Birds?

A talking bird can be a great companion; they develop their own personalities and have favorite words and phrases that they use at appropriate and, often, inappropriate times. There are several different bird species that are known for their ability to learn to talk; the key word is learn, you must have patience and persistence when teaching a bird to talk and remember, not all birds will talk.

  1. African Grey

    • African Grey with owner

      African Greys are one of the most intelligent bird species. They quickly pick up words and phrases and are even able to mimic sounds such as the telephone, microwave and even dogs and cats. They are large birds, 12 to 13 inches tall, they may live 50 years or longer. African Grey's are very affectionate; however, they become bored easily and need daily stimulation and exercise.

    Amazon

    • Amazon Bird in rainforest

      Amazon birds love to sing, and will sing right along with their favorite song. They command attention and can be a bit uppity if your attention wanders. Amazons range from 10 to 15 inches and live about 50 years. They are very active and boisterous and require a large area in which to "clown around."

    Budgie

    • Budgie birds side by side

      Budgies are probably one of the most underrated of the talking birds, they have a gravelly voice and speak very quickly which makes them difficult to understand. Female budgies are unable to talk, however, males can have a very large vocabulary. A budgie named Puck is listed in the Guinness World Book of Records as "The Most Talkative Bird" with a vocabulary of over 1700 words. The Budgie was even voted number 2 in intelligence and number 3 in best talking bird in a Bird Talk Magazine poll. Budgies live for 5 to 8 years and stand about 8 inches tall.

    Quaker Parrots

    • Quaker Parrots

      Quaker Parrots imitate laughter and laugh freely; they are comical and spunky and bond with their human "flock." They are excellent speakers and can imitate voices and sounds. They are about 13 inches tall and live about 30 years. Note: Quakers are illegal in some states; large flocks have developed in the wild posing a risk to crops and native birds.

    Indian Ringneck Parrots

    • Indian Ringneck Parrots are highly intelligent and can be taught to speak, mimic sounds and perform tricks, such as untying knots and stringing beads. They need a lot of handling or they may become unfriendly and difficult to handle. They stand 16 inches tall and live between 25 to 30 years.

    Eclectus Parrots

    • Eclectus Parrot with handler

      Eclectus Parrots prefer a calm environment and will quietly talk to their owners . They can mimic a variety of sounds and love to make soft bell sounds as well as coos and squeals. They are thought to be one of the best talkers in the bird world. They are about 10 inches tall and can live for 50 years.

    Macaws/Cockatiels/Lories/Cockatoos

    • Blue and Green Macaw

      Macaws, Cockatiels, Lories and Cockatoos are able to mimic sounds and have the ability to learn to speak; although the female Cockatiel usually does not. Macaws can learn to speak, but they really enjoy making very load squawking sounds. Lories speak very clearly and can mimic sounds; Cockatoos can learn to speak but are usually not very clear.