Looking for a pet that’s as soothing as it is beautiful? Gentle, affectionate, and low-maintenance—there’s a whole world of bird species that fit this description perfectly. These feathered friends aren’t just pretty to look at—they make great companions for those seeking peace and tranquility at home.
From calming canaries to sweet doves, these birds have personalities that will steal your heart without the hassle. If you’ve ever dreamed of having a bird that loves to snuggle and sit on your shoulder, this list is for you.
In this post, we’ll introduce you to 18 of the most gentle pet bird species, each with its own charm. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to meet your next feathery friend!
Budgerigar (Budgie)
Budgerigars, affectionately known as budgies, are small, colorful parrots native to Australia. They are one of the most popular pet birds worldwide, thanks to their playful nature and ability to mimic human speech.
Typically, they display vibrant green and yellow feathers, with variations in blue and white. Known for their cheerful disposition, budgies thrive in pairs or small groups, providing endless entertainment with their antics.
They require a spacious cage to flutter about and appreciate engaging toys to stimulate their curious minds. With proper care, budgies can live up to 15 years, offering long-lasting companionship.
Cockatiel
Cockatiels are small parrots with a distinctive yellow crest and orange cheek patches, native to Australia. These birds are renowned for their friendly and affectionate nature, making them ideal companions, especially for first-time bird owners.
Cockatiels enjoy socializing with their human companions and can learn to whistle tunes. They thrive in environments where they can spread their wings and need a variety of toys to keep them entertained.
Regular interaction is key to a happy cockatiel. With a lifespan of about 15 to 20 years, they provide lasting joy.
Lovebird
Lovebirds are small, affectionate parrots known for their strong pair bonds. Native to Africa, these birds are adored for their vibrant colors and lively personalities. Lovebirds are happiest when kept in pairs, as they thrive on social interaction.
Their playful antics and curious nature make them a delightful addition to any home. To keep them engaged, provide a variety of toys and a spacious cage. Lovebirds enjoy shredding materials, so include safe shredding toys. With proper care, lovebirds can live up to 15 years, offering years of companionship.
Canary
Canaries are small songbirds, famous for their beautiful melodies. Native to the Canary Islands, these birds are often kept for their singing abilities, especially the males.
They come in a range of colors, including bright yellow, orange, and white. Canaries are relatively low maintenance, needing a cage with room to fly and perch. They thrive in a calm environment and enjoy bird-safe fruits and vegetables.
While they are not typically hand-tamed, their sweet songs fill the home with joy. Canaries can live up to 10 years, bringing melody to daily life.
Zebra Finch
Zebra finches are small, active birds native to Australia, known for their distinctive black and white markings and orange beaks. These social birds are best kept in pairs or groups, where they can engage in playful interactions.
They are easy to care for, requiring a spacious cage to accommodate their energetic nature. Zebra finches are known for their gentle chirping sounds, adding a soothing background noise to the home.
Provide them with nesting materials to satisfy their natural instincts. With proper care, zebra finches can live for 5 to 10 years.
Pionus Parrot
Pionus parrots are medium-sized birds with a calm and gentle demeanor, native to Central and South America. They are recognized by their vibrant green plumage and subtle blue underwings.
Known for their quiet nature, pionus parrots make excellent companions. These parrots enjoy interacting with their human caretakers and can learn to mimic sounds.
They require a spacious cage with plenty of toys for mental stimulation. Regular social interaction is important to keep them content. With a lifespan of up to 30 years, pionus parrots offer a lifelong friendship.
Dove
Doves are gentle birds often associated with peace and love, found worldwide in various species. Their calm and serene nature makes them ideal pets for those seeking a peaceful companion.
Doves are easily recognizable by their soft cooing sounds. These birds thrive in pairs or flocks, enjoying spacious aviaries or cages with ample room for flight.
They are low-maintenance, enjoying a diet of seeds and grains. Doves can live for up to 10 years with proper care, offering soothing companionship through their calming presence and gentle coos.
Parrotlet
Parrotlets are small yet bold parrots, known for their feisty and playful personalities. Native to Central and South America, they are often seen with vibrant green feathers and flashes of blue.
Despite their small size, parrotlets have big personalities and are known for their affectionate nature. These birds require regular social interaction and mental stimulation.
They thrive with a variety of toys and activities to keep them entertained. Parrotlets enjoy learning tricks and can form strong bonds with their owners. With proper care, they can live for 15 to 20 years, providing endless amusement.
Quaker Parrot
Quaker parrots, also known as monk parakeets, are small parrots native to South America. They are distinguished by their green bodies and gray chests. Known for their sociable and intelligent nature, quakers are popular pets.
These parrots are excellent talkers and can learn a wide vocabulary. They thrive in environments where they can interact with their human companions.
Quakers require a spacious cage and plenty of toys to keep their active minds occupied. With a lifespan of up to 30 years, quaker parrots offer long-term companionship and entertainment.
Senegal Parrot
Senegal parrots are medium-sized birds with striking orange and green plumage, native to West Africa. These parrots are known for their calm and gentle nature, making them excellent pets for families.
Senegals enjoy social interaction and can learn to mimic sounds and simple words. They require a spacious cage with a variety of toys to keep them entertained.
Regular interaction with their human companions is important to maintain their happiness. With a lifespan of up to 30 years, Senegal parrots provide enduring companionship and joy.
Green-cheeked Conure
Green-cheeked conures are small parrots with a playful and affectionate nature, native to South America. They are easily recognized by their green bodies and maroon tails.
Known for their friendly demeanor, these parrots thrive on interaction with their human companions. They require a spacious cage with a variety of toys to keep their active minds engaged.
Green-cheeked conures are known to be quieter than other parrots, making them ideal for apartment living. With proper care, they can live for 10 to 15 years, providing years of laughter and companionship.
Lineolated Parakeet
Lineolated parakeets, also known as linnies, are small parrots with a calm and friendly temperament. Native to Central America, they are known for their vivid green plumage with black stripes.
Linnies are among the quieter parrot species, making them suitable for apartment living. These birds enjoy interacting with their human companions and can learn to mimic sounds.
They require a spacious cage with plenty of toys for enrichment. Regular social interaction helps keep them content. With a lifespan of up to 15 years, lineolated parakeets offer a long-term, quiet companionship.
Indian Ringneck Parakeet
Indian ringneck parakeets are medium-sized birds known for their striking appearance and intelligence. Native to Africa and South Asia, these parrots are admired for their vibrant green feathers and distinctive black neck rings.
They are excellent talkers and can learn to mimic a wide range of sounds. Ringnecks thrive on interaction and need a variety of toys and activities to keep their minds stimulated.
They require a spacious cage and regular out-of-cage time for exercise. With proper care, Indian ringneck parakeets can live for 20 to 30 years, becoming cherished members of the family.
Bourke’s Parakeet
Bourke’s parakeets are small birds known for their gentle nature and muted pink and blue plumage. Native to Australia, they are quiet and calm, making them ideal pets for those seeking a peaceful companion.
These parakeets enjoy social interaction with their caregivers and can adapt well to various environments. They require a spacious cage and enjoy a variety of toys for mental stimulation.
Bourke’s parakeets are most active during dawn and dusk, providing soothing companionship. With a lifespan of about 10 years, they offer a serene presence in the home.
Plum-headed Parakeet
Plum-headed parakeets are colorful birds native to India and Sri Lanka, known for their distinctive purple heads and green bodies. These birds are admired for their beauty and gentle nature.
They are social birds that thrive on interaction and can learn to mimic sounds. Plum-headed parakeets require a spacious cage with plenty of toys for enrichment. Regular socialization is key to keeping them content.
With a lifespan of up to 20 years, plum-headed parakeets provide long-term companionship and joy.
Galah Cockatoo
The Galah Cockatoo is a charming and affectionate pet bird known for its playful nature and striking pink and grey feathers. These birds thrive on social interaction and form strong bonds with their owners. They are intelligent and can learn tricks, making them delightful companions.
Galahs require a stimulating environment with plenty of toys to keep them entertained. Their diet should include fresh fruits, vegetables, and a high-quality pellet mix. With proper care, they can live for over 40 years, providing a lifetime of joy.
It’s essential to dedicate time daily to interact with your Galah to prevent boredom. Their cheerful demeanor and ability to mimic sounds make them a favorite among bird enthusiasts.
Crimson Rosella
Crimson rosellas are large, colorful parrots native to eastern and southeastern Australia. They are known for their vibrant red, blue, and black plumage, making them visually striking.
These parrots are social and enjoy interaction with their human companions. They require a spacious cage and a variety of toys to keep their active minds engaged.
Crimson rosellas are not typically hand-tame but can become friendly with regular interaction. With a lifespan of up to 20 years, they offer colorful companionship and joy. With care, they brighten any environment.
Eclectus Parrot
Eclectus parrots are medium to large-sized parrots known for their vibrant plumage and gentle demeanor. Native to the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea, they are sexually dimorphic, with males displaying bright green feathers and females a striking red and purple.
These parrots are highly intelligent and thrive on social interaction. They require a spacious cage with plenty of toys for mental stimulation.
Eclectus parrots enjoy a varied diet of fruits and vegetables. With a lifespan of up to 30 years, they offer a colorful and intelligent companionship, providing endless joy to their owners.