If you’re thinking of bringing a feathered companion into your home, selecting the right pet bird species is critical. Birds are fascinating, sociable, and often intelligent creatures that can make wonderful pets. However, it’s essential to choose a bird that fits your lifestyle, especially if you’re new to bird ownership.
Some birds are easier to care for, require less attention, and are generally friendlier than others. In this article, we will explore the top 10 pet bird species ideal for beginners, focusing on birds that are low-maintenance, friendly, and easy to handle. By the end, you’ll have a better idea of which species of bird is right for you.
1. Parakeets (Budgerigars)
Parakeets, also known as budgerigars or budgies, are among the most popular bird species for beginners. They are small, colourful birds, typically found in shades of blue, green, yellow, and white, with charming black speckles. Budgies are lively, and curious, and have the remarkable ability to mimic human speech, making them both entertaining and engaging pets.
Their sociable nature makes them an excellent choice for families or individuals. Budgies bond well with their owners and other budgies, making them perfect for households that can provide consistent interaction. They love exploring and playing with toys, and when trained, they can perform fun tricks like balancing or talking.
Budgies are relatively low-maintenance in terms of care, requiring a small to medium-sized cage, a balanced diet of seeds, fruits, and vegetables, and regular exercise. Although small, they are hardy birds with an average lifespan of around 10 years, making them one of the most manageable and enjoyable birds as pets.
2. Cockatiels
Cockatiels are well-loved for their gentle and affectionate personalities, making them a great option for beginners. These medium-sized parrots are easily recognized by their distinctive crests and rosy cheeks, which give them a friendly and approachable appearance. Cockatiels come in various colours, with shades of grey, white, and yellow being the most common.
Cockatiels thrive on interaction and are known for bonding closely with their owners. They enjoy being handled and petted, and many cockatiels also learn to mimic sounds or whistle tunes, which adds to their charm. Their social nature makes them excellent companions for both families and individuals seeking a friendly, loyal bird.
In terms of care, cockatiels require a larger cage than smaller birds like budgies, and they need daily opportunities to fly outside their cage for exercise. They live up to 20 years, so they require a long-term commitment. Their friendly demeanour, moderate noise levels, and ease of training make them one of the best pet birds for beginners.
3. Parrotlets
Parrotlets are small, vibrant parrots with big personalities. These tiny birds are bold, energetic, and incredibly intelligent, making them a fun and engaging choice for beginners looking for a pet with a lot of spunk. Parrotlets come in bright colours like green, blue, and yellow, and they are often described as one of the coolest bird pets due to their lively nature.
Despite their small size, parrotlets have strong, independent personalities and require regular interaction to stay happy. They enjoy playing with toys, learning tricks, and exploring their surroundings. Owners need to handle them frequently to maintain their social nature, as parrotlets can become territorial if left alone for too long.
Parrotlets typically live around 20 years and need a spacious cage with plenty of mental stimulation to keep them entertained. Though they are more energetic than other small birds, their relatively quiet demeanour and manageable care requirements make them excellent pets for dedicated bird enthusiasts.
4. Lovebirds
Lovebirds are affectionate, social birds known for their colourful plumage and strong bond with their owners. These small parrots are often considered one of the most colourful pet birds, with their vibrant shades of green, yellow, orange, and blue. They are playful, curious, and thrive on attention, making them a delightful companion for those willing to engage with them daily.
Lovebirds are social creatures that require consistent handling and interaction to prevent them from becoming territorial. When properly socialized, they can be quite affectionate and even enjoy cuddling with their owners. They are also known for their playful nature and love exploring their surroundings and playing with toys.
These birds typically live up to 20 years and need a medium-sized cage with plenty of room to move around. They require regular flight time outside the cage to stay healthy. While lovebirds are more demanding in terms of attention than some other pet bird breeds, their affectionate and lively personality makes them a wonderful choice for dedicated owners.
5. Canaries
Canaries are known for their beautiful singing and delicate appearance, making them one of the most beloved domestic birds for beginners. These small birds are available in various bright colours, such as yellow, red, and orange, and are admired for their cheerful, melodious tunes. Canaries are observational pets, which means they don’t need much interaction, making them perfect for beginners looking for a low-maintenance bird.
Canaries are independent birds that do not require regular handling. They are content to live in their cages and sing throughout the day, adding a pleasant ambience to your home. Male canaries, in particular, are known for their excellent singing abilities, making them a popular choice for bird lovers who enjoy birds for their aesthetic and musical qualities.
In terms of care, canaries need a spacious cage to allow for flying, a healthy diet of seeds, fruits, and vegetables, and occasional exercise outside the cage. They typically live around 10 years and are considered one of the most nice pet birds for beginners due to their low-maintenance care and enjoyable singing.
6. Pionus Parrots
Pionus parrots are calm, quiet birds with stunning blue and green iridescent feathers, making them a visually striking choice for pet owners. Known for their gentle nature, Pionus parrots are ideal for beginners who want a larger bird without the high energy or noise levels often associated with parrots. They are friendly, but they prefer affection on their own terms, making them suitable for owners who appreciate a more laid-back pet.
These parrots are social but not overly demanding, making them a good fit for families or individuals with busy schedules. Pionus parrots enjoy interacting with their owners but can entertain themselves with toys when left alone. They are also quieter than many other parrot species, which makes them more suitable for apartment living.
With a lifespan of 25 to 40 years, Pionus parrots require a long-term commitment and a spacious cage with plenty of room for toys and perches. They also need time outside the cage for exercise. Although they require more care than smaller birds, their calm temperament and moderate maintenance needs make them an excellent choice for those looking for a quiet, affectionate bird.
Read it also: Discovering Birds with Red Heads: 5 Breeds to Know
7. Amazon Parrots
Amazon parrots are highly social and known for their vibrant green feathers and ability to mimic human speech. These birds are expressive and love to entertain their owners, making them one of the most engaging and coolest bird pets for beginners who are ready for a larger bird. Amazon parrots have big personalities and thrive on social interaction.
These parrots bond closely with their owners and enjoy learning tricks, mimicking sounds, and talking. However, their large size and social needs mean they require a significant amount of time and attention. They are not ideal for owners who are away from home frequently, as they can become lonely and develop behavioural problems without enough stimulation.
Amazon parrots live for over 30 years and require a large cage with plenty of toys, as well as daily flight time outside the cage. While they are more demanding than smaller birds, their affectionate nature and impressive intelligence make them a fantastic companions for those ready for a long-term, interactive pet.
8. Finches
Finches are small, social birds that are perfect for beginners who want a low-maintenance pet. These birds are often kept in pairs or small groups, and they are known for their cheerful chirping and lively behaviour. Finches come in various colours and patterns, making them one of the most visually appealing species of bird to keep as pets.
Finches are independent and don’t require much handling or interaction from their owners. They are content to live in their cages and socialize with other finches, making them an excellent option for busy owners or those who prefer not to handle their birds. Watching finches interact with each other can be entertaining, as they are always active and curious.
Finches typically live for 5 to 10 years and need a spacious cage to allow for flying. Their diet consists of seeds, fruits, and vegetables, and they require fresh food and water daily. If you’re looking for a low-maintenance, colourful, and lively bird, finches are one of the best pet bird species for beginners.
9. Doves
Doves are gentle, peaceful birds known for their soft cooing sounds, making them one of the most soothing birds good for pets. Doves are mild-mannered and affectionate, which makes them ideal for owners who want a calm, easy-going pet. Their gentle nature makes them a perfect option for beginners looking for a quiet and non-demanding bird.
Doves are typically light grey or white and are content to stay in their cages, although they appreciate some human interaction. They are low-maintenance and don’t require as much attention or handling as parrots, which makes them suitable for individuals who prefer a quieter pet.
Doves typically live for 10 to 15 years and require a medium-sized cage, a balanced diet, and some flight time outside their cage. Their peaceful nature and simple care needs make them one of the best birds as pets for those seeking a relaxing and calm companion.
Read it also: 5 Black and White Birds with Mysterious Feathers and Behavior
10. Zebra Finches
Zebra finches are small, active birds named for their distinct black-and-white striped chests. These lively birds are popular among beginner bird owners due to their easy care requirements and social nature. Zebra finches are often kept in pairs or small groups, and their playful interactions make them fun to watch.
Zebra finches are relatively independent and don’t require much handling from their owners, making them a great choice for those who prefer a pet they can observe rather than interact with constantly. They are known for their cheerful chirping and are less noisy than many other bird species.
Read it also: Do Birds Eat Butterflies?
Zebra finches typically live for 5 to 10 years and need a spacious cage with room for flying. Their diet consists of seeds, fruits, and vegetables, and they are easy to care for as long as they have access to fresh food and water. These little birds for pets are a fantastic option for beginners who want a lively, low-maintenance pet.
Conclusion
Choosing the right bird for your home is a significant decision, especially for beginners. Each of the pet bird species mentioned in this list offers something unique, whether it’s the playful nature of a parakeet, the affectionate personality of a cockatiel, or the melodic singing of a canary.
By understanding the care requirements, lifespan, and social needs of each species, you can find the perfect feathered companion to fit your lifestyle. Regardless of which species of bird you choose, with proper care and attention, your new pet will bring joy and companionship for years to come.