Thinking about getting a talking bird? These beautiful birds are not just visually stunning but also very entertaining because they have the skill of copying human voices. However, it is essential to select the appropriate species of talking birds for beginners before deciding to bring one home.
If you are inexperienced in the realm of birds but are eager to teach a bird how to talk, this article can assist you in selecting the most suitable bird for your needs.
I have categorized the birds based on their talking skills, which means they may not always be easy to handle. I trust that you are committed to putting in the required effort.
I have also included additional important factors for your consideration – such as their dimensions, mass, longevity, and price – to help you make a well-informed choice.
Budgerigars (Budgies)/Parakeets
If you want a beginner bird that is excellent at talking, budgies are the best choice as they offer the best of both worlds. Budgerigars are highly favored as pet birds specially if you are looking for a talking birds for beginners. Taking care of them is simple and because of their size, they are also very affordable.
However, what distinguishes these birds is their extraordinary talent for learning new words.
Indeed, Puck, a budgie, holds the title for having the most extensive vocabulary among all birds globally. He had the ability to utilize up to 1728 words!
They are capable of communicating using both brief words and extended expressions.
These birds make gentle noises, in contrast to certain larger parrots, and their vocalizations can be a bit challenging to interpret.
This hampers their communication skills as it becomes challenging to comprehend their speech.
However, if you simply wish to have a companion animal that can speak and not use your bird as a decoration, then that should not discourage you.
Species Details
Scientific Name: Melopsittacus undulatus
Origin: Australia
Average Length: 7-8 inches (18-20 cm)
Vocabulary: 125-160 words
Average Weight: 1.0-1.5 ounces (30-43 grams)
Lifespan: 10-12 years (up to 20 years with excellent care)
Temperament: Social, playful, intelligent
Colors: Green and yellow (wild type), blue, white, grey, pied (combination of colors)
Diet: Seeds, pellets, fresh vegetables and fruits
Indian Ringnecks
Indian ringneck are also called as rose-ringed parakeets. These birds can be found in a variety of colors, but they usually have a vibrant green hue and are distinguished by a red band encircling their neck, from which they get their name. It is one of the best choices if you want a talking birds for beginners.
Indian Ringnecks are great at mimicking sounds and speaking. They have the ability to acquire up to 100-130 words. In addition, these birds enjoy chatting frequently and some of them are capable of conveying emotion through their words.
The clearness of their voice is so strong that even a stranger will easily comprehend their words. They are able to imitate entire phrases and sentences as well.
A significant amount of training is necessary for them to become accustomed to human environments and socialized. If they are not trained properly, these birds can also exhibit biting and destructive behavior.
Additionally, these birds are naturally noisy. They not only talk incessantly but will also be loud while doing so. A benefit is that they are great guard birds.
Species Details
Scientific Name: Psittacula krameri
Origin: India, Sri Lanka, parts of Africa and the Middle East.
Average Length: Around 16 inches (40 cm) long, with a significant portion being the tail feathers.
Vocabulary: 100-125 words
Colors: Naturally bright green with a red beak and blue tail feathers. Captive breeding has resulted in a variety of color mutations like turquoise, cinnamon, albino, and even blue and violet.
Diet : They are herbivores and feed on fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and buds.
Lifespan: With proper care, Indian Ringnecks can live for up to 30 years.
Quaker Parrots
If you’re a beginner in the world of talking birds and are looking for a bird that can easily pick up talking skills without requiring a lot of work, consider getting a Quaker parrot.
Quakers are highly social birds with spirited characters. These small parrot have the ability to talk nonstop for hours as long as they are content.
However, if they are upset or frustrated, they may also exhibit some aggressiveness, such as biting and nipping. A Quaker typically has no trouble learning around 50-60 words. That’s not the only skill these birds have – they are also adept at imitating almost anything.
Do you have a dog in your home? Your Quaker will imitate its bark. Do you have a one-of-a-kind ringtone? A Quaker bird has the ability to mimic that noise. Being in their presence is enjoyable! These birds, who imitate and replicate sounds, are the focal point of attention in any home they reside in.
Quakers are petite birds, which makes them low-maintenance pets. The single issue, as previously mentioned, is that they can become hostile at times.
Species Details
Scientific Name: Myiopsitta monachus
Origin: Argentina, Chile, and surrounding areas in South America.
Average Length: Around 11-12 inches (28-30 cm) long from beak to tail.
Vocabulary: 45-100 words.
Colors: Primarily bright green with a greyish breast and greenish-yellow abdomen.
Diet : They are primarily herbivores, feeding on fruits, seeds, and leaves.
Lifespan: With proper care, Quaker Parrots can live for 20-30 years.
African Grey
It is not unexpected that these birds can acquire over 500 words throughout their life span. Some researchers think that African Greys can use words appropriately in context, but this doesn’t mean they fully understand the words’ meanings.
The Congo and Timneh African Greys are known as the top talkers among all the different species.
These birds require specialized care, attentive handling from their caregivers, and mental enrichment. They have a tendency to be a little moody and can be challenging to handle occasionally.
African Greys require a significant amount of time to begin speaking as they are not easily trained. However, if you are seeking a talking bird with a vast vocabulary, nothing can compare to an African Grey.
Species Details
Scientific Name: Psittacus erithacus
Origin: Central and West Africa.
Average Length: 12-14 inches (30-35 cm)
Vocabulary: 100-550 words.
Average Weight: 12-16 ounces (340-450 grams)
Lifespan: 50-80 years (with proper care)
Temperament: Intelligent, social, sensitive.
Colors: Grey (with red tail feathers on Congo African Grey)
Diet: Pellets, nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables.
What to Consider When Choosing a Talking Birds for Beginners
Personality & Temperament
Every type of bird has its individual characteristics and disposition. Certain birds are outgoing and enjoy interacting with others, while others may be shy or have a tendency to bite if not handled correctly. Knowing the personality of the bird you are interested in will guarantee a harmonious relationship.
Lifespan & Commitment
Birds that are able to mimic speech have the potential to live for a long time, with certain types of birds living as long as humans. This implies that you are not simply selecting a pet, but a enduring friend. Ensure you are fully prepared for the responsibility before arriving at a conclusion.
Noise Level & Vocal Abilities
Every chatty bird will create sound, however the level and rate can differ greatly depending on the type of bird. Certain birds are more talkative and noisier than others. If you reside in a flat or have nearby residents, it is crucial to take into account.
Choosing a talking birds as a beginner that suits your lifestyle and level of experience allows you to have the enjoyable experience of owning a talking pet bird.
