Birds can be a great addition to your family, providing socialization and entertainment. However, they require daily care, cleaning, playtime, socialization, training, and sometimes expensive medical care. Some species can be entertaining talkers with proper attention and training. Birds are individual creatures, and some from talkative species may never speak, while others may learn to talk. It’s important to consider the best talking birds for beginners, list of talking birds, and the best talking birds in the world.
what parrots talk?
The African grey parrot, among other species, is known for its intelligence and ability to form complex sentences, while other species like Amazon parrots, budgies, and cockatoos also display impressive talking skills.
Which parrot is best for talking?
African Grey Parrots are extremely intelligent birds noted for their ability to imitate human speech and noises. They are noted for their capacity to learn hundreds of words and phrases, frequently generating complex conversations based on their interactions with people. These parrots need cerebral stimulation to grasp and reproduce human speech with extraordinary precision, so they’re one of the best talkers among parrots.
15 Best Talking Birds You Need to Know
Talking birds are popular pets due to their ability to mimic human speech or perform tricks. However, learning to talk requires quality interaction with humans and repeated words. 15 talking bird breeds are recommended for training to mimic human voice.
Budgerigars
Budgerigars are also known as parakeets or budgies. They are considered among the best talking birds, probably due to their large vocabulary and sociable behavior. With an average lifetime of 5-8 years, all of these intelligent birds are friendly and like spending time with their human families.
They can learn expensive and short sentences, especially singing, and can be educated to become more natural. Budgies are small birds, 6–8 inches long, and weigh around an ounce. They can learn lengthy and short sentences and even scream. They may be satisfied in enormous cages or outdoors, with exposure to an expanding vocabulary via media. To enhance their talents, check for young birds at rescue or identify believable breeders who hand rear these types of birds. Find out more about Budgies (PetMD).
Cockatiel
Cockatiels are popular talking birds that can be good for beginners. Male cockatiels can learn to speak up to 250 words and phrases, mimic sounds, and whistle songs.
They are emotional birds, using their crest to communicate feelings. Social, they love to be held and snuggled and make excellent pets when hand-fed as babies and raised in positive environments. The best talking parrots are those who can talk back and are known for their friendly nature.
Quaker Parakeet
Quaker Parakeets are known for their excellent talkers, able to imitate human speech clearly and quickly learn various words and phrases. They are known for their great mimicry, clear pronunciation, quick learning, and sociable nature.
However, not every bird will become good talkers, and there are potential noise issues and legal restrictions in some regions. Despite these challenges, Quaker Parakeets are a popular choice for beginners looking for a talking pet bird.
Ring-necked Parakeet
Indian Ringneck Parakeets are known for their clear voice, large vocabulary, and ability to learn and repeat long phrases. They can mimic sounds and learn tricks, making them charming pets if properly socialized and handled daily.
However, they need mental stimulation and human interaction to avoid becoming rebellious, destructive, or aggressive. They are noisy, so consider a quieter bird for apartments, and their personality can be cheeky and bossy in novice hands. Overall, Indian Ringneck Parakeets are good talking birds for pets.
Eclectus parrots
Eclectus parrots are highly regarded as talking birds due to their ability to mimic human speech, learn songs, and mimic mood and tone. They are friendly, gentle, and thrive on socialization with caretakers. Training them to talk is more successful when done at a young age, and they require consistent socialization.
Eclectus parrots are low-maintenance, self-entertaining, and intelligent, requiring stimulation with various toys. They can let out a high-pitched scream when scared or excited. They are often referred to as the best talkative bird and the most realistic talking bird. Read more about Eclectus Parrots (The Spruce Pets).
Conures
Conures are social birds with a natural inclination toward talking birds, making them popular pets. They can learn to say words and phrases with a wide range of vocalizations, including squawks, chirps, and whistles. While not as proficient as larger parrots, some species, like the green-cheeked conure, are better talkers. Consistent interaction and repetition are crucial for encouraging talking.
Kakarikis
Kakarikis are known as “talking birds” owing to their natural intelligence and ability to replicate noises they hear regularly. They can learn and copy human words and phrases with sufficient training and contact with people. While not as competent as other parrot species like African Greys, Kakarikis may pick up words and phrases with patience. Regular connection with people, particularly chatting to them, may considerably boost their learning.
Alexandrines
Alexandrine parakeets are actually intelligent, joyful birds popular for imitating human speech. They may live up to 40 years in captivity and are lively, independent, and like chewing and playing in water. They require well-socialized care to prevent aggression. They prefer tropical conditions but may live in temperate and subtropical places. They consume seeds, buds, fruits, and nuts and may be found in woods, woodlands, agricultural regions, and mangrove forests.
The Yellow-naped Amazon parrot
Yellow-naped Amazons are very clever and friendly parrots identified for their ability to conversely. They are capable of putting together cohesive phrases and realizing information, speed, and tone. These large birds, measuring 15-27 inches and 16-23 ounces, can stay alive up to 80 years and are recognized for their clear and beautiful song.
However, they may be cranky and turn from nice to biting rapidly, so they’re a wonderful talker for expert bird owners. YouTube videos show Yellow-naped Amazons conversing, so they’re an attractive choice for pet owners. These parrots are also noted for their ability to communicate and grasp context, so they’re an excellent option for pet owners.
Cockatoo
Cockatoos can learn to speak a few words and phrases, but they are not considered top talking birds. They have a soft, sweet voice that can vary depending on their excitement level. Training them can be difficult, as trainers need to use careful listening skills. Cockatoos are social and affectionate, requiring hours of social time daily. Learn more about bird care in our Animals & Nature.
If their needs are not met, they may become clingy and needy, leading to neuroses. Separation anxiety can develop from over-bonding. Other birds known for their talking abilities include African grey parrots and Hill Mynas, known for their clear and loud mimicry and melodious voice.
Macaw
Macaws are not considered the best talking birds due to their less clear speech quality compared to other species like African Grey parrots. Despite their vocal abilities and ability to mimic sounds, they are more prone to making loud noises and require significant training to develop good speech habits.
Macaws have a smaller vocabulary and loud vocalizations, making them disruptive when attempting to talk. To develop good talking abilities, macaws require consistent and intensive training, as they can develop habits like lunging towards people with their massive beak. Macaw owners need to dedicate time to socialization and training, as well as tolerate noise and habitat destruction.
Myna birds
Myna birds are renowned for their exceptional ability to mimic human speech, including complex sounds and tones. Their intelligent and social nature allows them to readily learn new sounds from their environment.
Myna birds can imitate a wide range of sounds, including human speech, with impressive accuracy in pitch and tone. Their clear vocalization and social intelligence make their imitations easily recognizable. With proper training, Myna birds can learn a large number of words and phrases. Learn more about other species in our Animals & Nature section.
African Greys
African Greys are highly intelligent parrots known for their ability to talk back and the best talking birds in the world . With their large brains, they can learn complex sounds and concepts. They can learn hundreds or even thousands of words, depending on training and individual ability. For more on their fascinating behaviors, check out our article on Animal Facts.
Their excellent mimicry allows them to accurately imitate sounds and voices, including human speech. Some African Greys may demonstrate context understanding, depending on their training and environment. However, to reach their full potential, they require extensive training and consistent interaction with their owners. Due to their high intelligence, they are sensitive to stress and require a stable environment.
Learn more about African Grey Parrots (Audubon).
Considerations Before Finding a New Bird Pet
Adopting a bird is a life-changing experience with responsibilities similar to a dog. It offers years of social interaction, but each species has unique advantages and disadvantages. Researching the temperament and individual of the bird is crucial to ensuring happy years with your new companion.
