Some birds don’t just chirp—they chat. While parrots get all the spotlight, there’s a whole hidden world of feathered chatterboxes out there. Birds that mimic voices, answer back, and even pick up your laugh—without ever landing on a “most popular pets” list. These are the underrated vocal stars. The ones that don’t show up in cartoons but absolutely should. From tiny songbirds with big personalities to rainforest dwellers that sound like your neighbor, they’re full of surprises. Here are 10 birds that can talk—and chances are, you’ve never even heard of them. Get ready to be amazed by the voices hiding in the treetops.
Hill Myna
The Hill Myna, often overshadowed by its colorful relatives, is a master of mimicry. Found in the forests of South and Southeast Asia, these birds are known for their striking ability to imitate human speech and other sounds. One might hear a Hill Myna replicating entire conversations with uncanny accuracy.
With their glossy black plumage and bright orange-yellow wattles, they are a sight to behold. Their vocal talents make them popular pets in some regions, although they thrive best in their natural forest environments.
Unlike more famous talking birds, the Hill Myna’s unique vocalization range sets it apart in the avian world.
Budgerigar
Budgerigars, or budgies, though commonly kept as pets, are often underestimated in their vocal abilities. Originating from Australia, these small parrots pack a surprising punch when it comes to mimicking speech. Some budgies have been known to learn hundreds of words, outshining their larger counterparts.
Their cheerful chirps and chatter can fill a room with vibrant energy. With a curious and playful nature, budgies often form strong bonds with their human companions, making them delightful conversationalists.
Their ability to mimic with such precision is a testament to their intelligence and adaptability.
Quaker Parrot
Quaker Parrots, also known as Monk Parrots, bring a unique charm with their vibrant personalities. Originating from South America, these parrots are as sociable as they are vocal, often engaging in lively conversations with their owners.
Their talking abilities are impressive, capable of forming coherent phrases and sentences. Known for their intelligence, Quaker Parrots can also learn tricks, adding to their appeal as pets.
Their distinctive green plumage and playful demeanor make them a favorite among bird enthusiasts, with their chattiness providing endless entertainment.
Indian Ringneck Parakeet
The Indian Ringneck Parakeet, renowned for its striking appearance, is also an impressive talker. These birds, native to Asia and Africa, are known for their ability to mimic human voices with remarkable clarity.
Their charming vocal skills, combined with their stunning plumage, make them highly sought after as pets. They require ample interaction and mental stimulation to thrive.
The Indian Ringneck’s singing and speaking abilities highlight its intelligence, making it a prized companion for those who appreciate avian conversation and colorful displays.
Eclectus Parrot
The Eclectus Parrot, with its striking red and green plumage, is a mesmerizing sight. Originating from the Solomon Islands and surrounding regions, these parrots are renowned for their gentle demeanor and talking capabilities.
Both male and female Eclectus Parrots exhibit distinct color variations, with males being green and females red, making them visually captivating. Their ability to mimic speech is impressive, often learning phrases with clarity and ease.
Their calm nature and engaging conversations make them ideal companions for those seeking a conversational partner in their feathery friend.
Double Yellow-Headed Amazon
The Double Yellow-Headed Amazon is famed for its vocal abilities, replicating human speech with remarkable accuracy. Native to Central America, these parrots are known for their social nature and vibrant personalities.
Their bright yellow heads and playful demeanor make them a popular choice among bird enthusiasts. They thrive on interaction, often entertaining their owners with animated conversations and songs.
These parrots require a stimulating environment to showcase their talking talents, and their ability to mimic makes them extraordinary companions for those seeking an engaging pet.
Yellow-Naped Amazon
The Yellow-Naped Amazon, native to the rainforests of Central America, is a vocal virtuoso among talking birds. Known for its expressive and clear speech, this parrot can replicate voices and sounds with great precision.
Its distinctive yellow nape adds to its allure, making it a visually and vocally appealing pet. These parrots are social creatures, often forming strong bonds with their human companions.
Their ability to engage in meaningful conversation makes them fascinating pets, although they demand attention and mental stimulation to remain happy and healthy.
African Grey Parrot
The African Grey Parrot is often hailed as the Einstein of the bird world, known for its extraordinary intelligence and impressive talking ability. Native to the rainforests of West and Central Africa, these parrots are exceptional mimics.
Their cognitive skills allow them to understand and use words in context, making them one of the most fascinating talking birds. African Greys are known to form deep bonds with their human companions, engaging in meaningful interactions.
Their ability to mimic environmental sounds and human speech with accuracy sets them apart as remarkable avian communicators.
Blue-Fronted Amazon
The Blue-Fronted Amazon, with its vibrant green body and distinctive blue forehead, is a lively conversationalist. Originating from South America, these parrots are known for their engaging personalities and vocal skills.
They can learn a wide range of words and phrases, often becoming the life of the party with their playful chatter. Blue-Fronted Amazons require regular interaction and mental stimulation to thrive.
Their talking abilities, paired with their colorful appearance, make them a favorite among bird lovers seeking a chatty and vibrant companion.
Spectacled Parrotlet
Meet the Spectacled Parrotlet, a tiny powerhouse of vocal talent. With its vibrant green plumage and intriguing blue spectacle-like markings around its eyes, this bird is a visual delight.
Known for its lively personality, the Spectacled Parrotlet can mimic human speech, often surprising owners with its expansive vocabulary despite its small size. Native to South America, these birds thrive in tropical environments, bringing a splash of color and sound to their surroundings.
Did you know? The Spectacled Parrotlet is one of the smallest parrot species, yet it boasts a big voice!