Pet birds that talk are fascinating to me. I always wonder what my pets would say if they could speak, but for some bird parents, that thought becomes a reality. So, which pet birds can talk? And could one of these birds be a good pet for you?
While talking birds are awesome pets, I want to remind everyone that pet birds can be a huge commitment. They typically need lots of space, a specific diet, and time to fly freely in your home. Make sure you have enough time, money, and space to commit to the species you’re interested in before bringing them home.
Why Do Some Birds Talk?
Birds don’t have vocal cords like humans do, so how are they able to say human words? Some birds can use various throat muscles and membranes, such as the syrinx, to make sounds and tones that mimic human voices.
There are lots of reasons birds might use these features to speak like humans. Most birds make sounds to communicate with other birds and fit in with their flock. Birds usually thrive when sticking with a flock, so their unique calls are a survival skill. When birds live with a human, they may try to sound like their humans to help them fit in with the family.
Birds that can talk are typically capable of picking up on various languages and speaking in different dialects. They simply learn from observing the humans around them.
Pet Birds That Can Talk
A bird that talks is already fascinating enough on its own. But did you know that many talking birds can be kept as pets? As long as you’re willing to commit to these unique pets’ care, they could be a great companion for your household.
The following are all popular pet birds that can talk, along with some care requirements. If one seems interesting to you, make sure you thoroughly research the species before deciding to bring one home.
1. Budgies (Parakeets)
Budgies, also known as budgerigars and parakeets, are one of the most popular pet birds. They’re also one of the many pet birds that can mimic human speech. Not all budgies speak, but if you talk to them frequently, there’s a good chance they’ll start mimicking you.
Once they learn to sound like a human, they’re likely to become pretty talkative. Luckily, their voices are typically softer and gruffer than other birds (although that can make it hard to understand them at times).
Budgies are small birds, but one budgie should have at least an 18” x 18” x 18” enclosure. Plus, they should get a few hours to fly freely out of their enclosure daily. They’re not picky, eating a variety of seeds, grains, fruits, and vegetables. They typically live about 5 to 8 years, but some can live as long as 15 years!
2. African Grey Parrot
African grey parrots are highly intelligent, believed to be as smart as a 2-3 year old human. Thus, they can learn about 1,000 human words. They can learn new words quickly and speak them in a clear voice that’s easy to understand.
While this is one of the coolest bird species when it comes to talking, these birds are a huge commitment as pets. These birds live for 40 to 60 years in captivity, sometimes reaching up to 80 years. So, they’re a lifetime commitment and only suitable for experienced bird owners.
Since these birds are so smart, they’re also likely to get in trouble. Make sure you have time to thoroughly train your bird and give them the socialization they need. I don’t recommend this bird as a pet for most people because of their high maintenance needs, but there’s no denying that it’s fascinating to hear them speak.
3. Cockatiel
Cockatiels are small, gentle birds that are popular pets. They can learn to mimic a variety of human words, but male cockatiels typically talk more than females. If you talk to your cockatiels enough, they can learn 250 words and phrases, and they might even learn to whistle along with your favorite songs.
These birds live 10 to 15 years, so they might not live a lifetime, but they’re still a significant commitment. Their enclosure should be a minimum of 20”x20”x24”, and they need to spend at least two to three hours flying outside their enclosure daily. They’re easy to feed, eating a variety of pellets, seeds, and vegetables.
Cockatiels can be great beginner birds, but like with any pet, make sure you have plenty of time, space, and money for them. They’re social birds, so they need someone who can give them the attention and care they need.
4. Cockatoo
Cockatoos are large, beautiful birds that can mimic words and phrases heard from humans. However, they’re not the chattiest pet birds. They generally have a soft speaking voice, but can be loud if they’re excited. When these birds talk, it can be difficult to understand them.
Like African grey parrots, cockatoos can be lifelong commitments, living about 40 to 60 years. On top of that, they’re also very needy birds. They love getting as much attention as possible, so they thrive if their human is home most of the time.
Cockatoos require regular training and socialization to prevent behavior problems, such as separation anxiety. If your bird isn’t properly socialized, they could become overly stressed when left alone, leading to health problems. Thus, I only recommend these birds for experts.
5. Quaker Parrot
Quaker parrots, also known as monk parakeets, are charming pet birds that talk. They’re small, gentle, and friendly birds. They can quickly pick up on human speech, and many people believe they can communicate with words beyond just mimicking humans.
However, these birds aren’t legal everywhere. Many have escaped into the wild in North America, making them an invasive species. So, check your local laws to ensure you can have one. Even if it’s legal to own one, make sure your bird is secure in your home to ensure they don’t escape and add to the invasive species issue.
Quaker parrots are on the small side, only growing 11 to 12 inches tall. However, they’re a huge commitment, living 20 to 30 years in captivity. They love to eat a variety of food, including pellets, seeds, nuts, fruits, and vegetables.
6. Ring-Necked Parakeet
Ring-necked parakeets, also known as rose-ringed parakeets, ringneck parrots, and Indian ringneck parakeets, are stunning birds with bright green feathers. Not only can these birds learn human words, but they can also repeat whole sentences. Some cultures view these birds as sacred animals because they often mimic the prayers they hear.
As fascinating as these birds are, they’re also known for being stubborn and noisy. So, they’re not ideal for beginners. Since they talk a lot, they also don’t do well in apartments.
In captivity, these birds can live 25 to 30 years. They need an enclosure that’s at least 24”x 24”x 32”, but they need at least three hours per day outside of that enclosure to fly around. They thrive on a diet that’s a mixture of pellets and fresh food.
7. Eclectus Parrot
Eclectus parrots are another beautiful bird species with bold green, red, and/or blue feathers. These birds can learn to mimic a variety of words and phrases that they hear from their owners. Yet, they’re not as noisy as other talking parrots.
It’s easy to feel drawn to these birds because of their beauty, but they’re not suitable for beginners. Both need someone who can spend significant amounts of time interacting with them and letting them fly outside their enclosures. In general, male eclectus parrots are easier to train than females.
These exotic pets usually live about 30 years, but they can live as long as 50 years. They’re an extremely long-term commitment, and they need at least 36” x 24” x 48” of space in their enclosure. They’re definitely fascinating birds, but they’re not suitable for most households.
8. Myna Birds
Myna, or mynah, birds refers to a group of starling birds that can learn to mimic human voices. Most can learn over 100 words and phrases. They can also make a wide variety of other sounds, such as screeching and whistling, so they’re not suitable for apartment living.
Most myna birds can be pets for experienced bird keepers, but they’re not the most affectionate. They don’t mind being near their humans, but they’re usually very independent and aren’t interested in learning tricks. Most myna birds have dark-colored feathers.
Myna birds can live up to 25 years, so take that into account if you’re thinking about getting one. The exact care requirements will vary based on the species of myna bird you get.
9. Macaw
Macaws are some of the most iconic talking birds out there. They’re large and colorful, usually having red, green, and/or blue feathers. They can learn to mimic a wide variety of human vocabulary. They’re also vocal in other ways, which could include squawking and whistling.
There’s no doubt that these birds are beautiful, but they’re only a good pet for someone with lots of experience. They need lots of training and socialization. Their enclosure needs to be at least 48” x 36” x 60”, and they need to be outside of that space for at least two to three hours per day.
Macaws often live 30 to 50 years, but they could live for decades longer than that with proper care. If you bring home a macaw, that pet is part of your family for life. Also, many places require a permit to own a macaw, so always check your local laws before getting an exotic pet bird.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much are Birds That Talk?
Pet birds that talk typically range from $50 to $5,000. It all depends on the species and where you’re getting them from. For example, if you find a bird at a rescue or shelter, they’ll likely be cheaper than trying to find a breeder (always thoroughly research breeders to make sure they care for their birds well and don’t take them from the wild).
Can Birds Talk to Each Other?
Birds communicate with each other in lots of way. They might not exchange human words, but they can use calls, songs, movements, and colors to talk to each other. Like all animals, birds have their own language to communicate with their species
What is the Friendliest Pet Bird?
Budgies (parakeets) and cockatiels are some of the friendliest pet birds. They’re social birds that are generally easy to please. Yet, they still require a lot of care just like any other pet, so make sure you do your research before bringing one home.
Are Birds the Only Animals That Can Talk?
While birds are the most well-known animals that can speak human languages, other animals can mimic some human speech. Certain dolphins, whales, elephants, and primates have made vocalizations sounding like human words before. However, none of them talk as much as certain bird species do.
Should You Get Pet Birds That Talk?
Pet birds that talk are incredible creatures, but they’re not the right pets for everyone. If you’re an experienced pet owner that has plenty of time, money, and space to dedicate to a new pet, birds that can talk might be great for you. Yet, you should always do lots of research about a species before you get one.
Remember - pets are for more than just appearance and entertainment. They’re living creatures that require lots of advanced care. So, make sure you’re 100% ready for that commitment before bringing home a pet bird that talks.