Types of Talking Pet Birds

Many people get pets for the companionship they offer. Pets can be great at showing the affection they feel for their owners, but few can actually verbally tell them. Some species of birds can develop the ability to mimic human speech and can even be taught specific words. These birds are often highly intelligent, but their speech is just mimicry. A full-blown "How has your day been?" conversation is not possible.

  1. African Grey Parrots

    • The African Grey, as it name suggests, originates from central Africa where several sub-species of the bird can be found. They are among the most intelligent bird species and can develop a large vocabulary of words. A medium-sized member of the parrot family, they grow to around 14 inches tall and between 300 and 400 grams in weight. They bond strongly with their owners and require a great deal of attention and stimulation to avoid becoming bored and destructive. They are a long-lived bird, with some specimens living up to 60 years.

    Greater Indian Hill Mynah

    • The Greater Indian Hill Mynah bird is a small species from south Asia that grows to around 10 inches in height. They are mainly black in color, sometimes with a yellow stripe around the neck. Very intelligent, they are also talented mimics, sometimes sounding almost human. They can be affectionate with their owners but do not bond as closely as some parrots. Mynahs do not always learn to say words, some are more likely to imitate telephones or doorbells. Mynah birds can live for up to 15 years in captivity.

    Cockatiels

    • Cockatiels are a small species of parrot native to Australia. Generally the birds have a gray body with a white stomach and a colorful face, usually yellow with red cheek spots. They are intelligent birds, capable of copying whistles and ring tones. The males are the better mimics and some can be taught simple words or phrases with a bit of patience and practice. On average, cockatiels can live for 15 to 20 years although some have been recorded as old as 30.

    Amazon Parrot

    • Amazon Parrots originate from South America, Mexico and the Caribbean, throughout which there are 27 sub-species. Most species of Amazon are green in color with an additional accent color such as yellow or red. They are highly intelligent and have been described as being as smart as a toddler. Highly talkative, they can learn a large vocabulary and enjoy being socialized. If not given attention they can be badly behaved. The Amazon can live for a long time, anywhere between 50 to 75 years is possible.