Want a bird that will sing your house down? Or perhaps you’re looking for a feathered friend that keeps it quiet?
In the world of pet birds, there’s no shortage of vocal personalities. Some species love to chat, whistle, and squawk at the top of their lungs, while others are more reserved, offering a few soft chirps here and there.
From the chatty parakeet to the silent finch, each bird has its own quirks. But the question is—what’s your ideal volume level?
Join us as we explore the 18 noisiest pet bird breeds and discover a few surprisingly quiet ones. You might just find the perfect match for your home (and your ears!).
African Grey Parrot
The African Grey Parrot is renowned for its exceptional ability to mimic human speech and other sounds.
This medium-sized parrot, native to the rainforests of West and Central Africa, captivates with its intelligence and vocal range. It often requires mental stimulation, such as toys and interaction, to maintain its happiness.
Owners should be prepared for the parrot’s tendency to chatter, often repeating phrases it hears regularly. With its engaging personality and sociable nature, the African Grey is a favorite among bird enthusiasts seeking a talkative companion. However, prospective owners should consider the noise level and daily interaction needs.
Budgerigar (Budgie)
Budgerigars, affectionately known as Budgies, are small, cheerful birds native to Australia.
Despite their size, these birds pack a vocal punch with their chirps, whistles, and tunes. They’re highly social creatures, thriving in environments where they can interact with their human companions and fellow Budgies.
Their ability to mimic speech isn’t as refined as larger parrots, but their constant chatter brings life to any home. Budgies require social interaction and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and loneliness. For those seeking a lively yet manageable pet bird, Budgies are an excellent choice, blending charm with noise.
Cockatoo
Cockatoos are known for their vocal abilities and can be quite the chatterboxes. They thrive on social interaction and enjoy mimicking sounds they hear. These birds are especially famous for their loud, piercing calls that can carry over long distances.
Although they can be demanding in terms of attention, cockatoos are affectionate companions. However, their noisiness might not be suitable for every household environment. Potential owners should consider their tolerance for sound before inviting a cockatoo into their home.
Providing plenty of stimulation and social engagement can help manage their noisy tendencies.
Peach-faced Lovebird
Peach-faced lovebirds are small but have a big presence. These charming birds are known for their high-pitched chatter and playful nature. Their constant activity makes them entertaining companions, though their vocalizations can be quite loud.
They are social birds, thriving in environments where they receive plenty of interaction. If left alone for too long, their calls can become persistent as they seek attention.
To keep their noise levels in check, providing toys and regular engagement can be beneficial. Lovebirds are delightful but require a committed owner who can cater to their social needs.
Sun Conure
Sun conures are renowned for their vibrant colors and equally vibrant voices. These birds can produce loud, screeching calls that resonate throughout their environment. Their vocal nature is a reflection of their energetic and social personalities.
They bond closely with their human companions, often vocalizing to communicate their desires and emotions. Despite their noise, they are affectionate and enjoy interactive play.
Potential owners should be prepared for their loud calls, which can be managed with proper training and social interaction. Sun conures are charming but come with a high noise level.
Macaw
Macaws are among the largest and most vocal of the parrot family. Their calls are not only loud but can also be heard over considerable distances. Known for their intelligence, macaws enjoy mimicking sounds and engaging in vocal exchanges.
Their strong personalities require experienced handling, and they thrive in homes where they receive ample attention. While their noise can be overwhelming, macaws are rewarding pets for those who appreciate their vibrant nature.
Providing them with challenges and social interaction can help in managing their vocal tendencies, making them fascinating companions.
Cockatiel
Cockatiels are known for their whistling abilities rather than loud squawks. These birds can mimic tunes and enjoy engaging in melodic conversations. Their softer vocalizations make them ideal for those seeking a quieter avian companion.
While they are not entirely silent, their noise level is much more manageable compared to larger parrots. Cockatiels are social and thrive on interaction, often whistling to gain attention or express happiness.
Offering them interactive toys and regular companionship helps maintain their gentle nature, making them beloved pets for bird enthusiasts who prefer a quieter environment.
Eclectus Parrot
Eclectus parrots are known for their striking appearance and relatively quiet nature. While they are capable of talking, their vocalizations are generally softer and not as overwhelming as other parrots.
These birds are calm and gentle, making them suitable for quieter households. They enjoy interaction but don’t demand it constantly, allowing for a more relaxed companionship.
Though quieter, Eclectus parrots still require mental stimulation and socialization to keep them content. Their unique beauty combined with their more manageable noise level makes them attractive pets for those seeking a balance.
Quaker Parrot
Quaker parrots, also known as monk parakeets, are small but boast a powerful voice. Their chatter and mimicry skills make them entertaining companions, though their noise level can be surprising given their size.
These parrots are social and enjoy interacting with their human companions, often vocalizing to communicate their needs and emotions. Despite their small stature, they can be quite demanding in terms of attention.
Regular social engagement and mental stimulation help in managing their vocal tendencies. Quaker parrots are delightful pets for those who appreciate a lively and interactive bird.
Canary
Canaries are renowned for their melodic singing and are considered one of the quieter bird species. Males are particularly noted for their beautiful songs, which are more tuneful than loud.
These birds are relatively low-maintenance, making them ideal for novice bird owners. They thrive in environments where they can sing without interruption, providing a soothing presence in the home.
Although not entirely silent, their pleasant vocalizations are often seen as a bonus rather than a nuisance. Canaries make perfect companions for those who enjoy the gentle music of bird songs.
Indian Ringneck Parakeet
Indian Ringneck parakeets are known for their talking abilities and bright personalities. They can be quite vocal, especially when seeking attention or expressing excitement.
These birds are intelligent and can develop extensive vocabularies, mimicking both human speech and other sounds from their environment. Although their calls can be loud, they are generally pleasant and engaging.
Owners should provide plenty of interaction and mental stimulation to satisfy their inquisitive nature. With their charming voices and lively disposition, Indian Ringnecks are captivating pets for those willing to engage with their chatty nature.
Pionus Parrot
Pionus parrots are known for their quiet demeanor and are often chosen by those seeking a more peaceful avian companion. While they can vocalize, their calls are generally softer and less frequent.
These parrots are gentle and affectionate, forming strong bonds with their owners without being overly demanding. Their quieter nature makes them suitable for apartment living or environments where noise is a concern.
Providing them with social interaction and mental stimulation keeps them content and engaged. Pionus parrots offer a serene and endearing presence for those who prefer tranquility in their bird companionship.
Amazon Parrot
Amazon parrots are known for their boisterous personalities and vocal prowess. These birds can produce loud, clear calls and have a knack for mimicry, often learning a wide range of phrases and sounds.
They are playful and enjoy interactive play, requiring plenty of stimulation to keep them engaged. Their lively nature and talking abilities make them entertaining companions, though their noise level can be challenging for some.
Proper training and socialization help manage their vocal tendencies, making Amazon parrots a popular choice for those who enjoy a talkative and interactive pet bird.
Galah
Galahs, also known as rose-breasted cockatoos, are known for their playful antics and loud voices. Their calls are powerful and can be heard from considerable distances.
These cockatoos are social and thrive on interaction with their human companions, often using their vocal abilities to communicate their needs and desires. While their noise can be intense, they are affectionate and engaging pets.
Potential owners should be prepared for their loud calls and provide ample socialization and stimulation to keep them happy. Galahs are lively and entertaining but require a dedicated owner who can manage their vocal nature.
Bourke’s Parrot
Bourke’s parrots are known for their gentle and quiet nature compared to other parrot species. Their calls are soft and pleasant, often described as soothing rather than disruptive.
They are calm and enjoy a peaceful environment, making them ideal pets for those who prefer tranquility. Although not as interactive as other parrots, they can form bonds with their owners through gentle interaction.
Providing a calm setting and gentle engagement helps maintain their serene nature. Bourke’s parrots offer a calming presence and make ideal companions for those seeking a quieter, more relaxed bird.
Lovebird
Lovebirds are small but pack a punch when it comes to personality and noise. Their constant chatter and playful antics can fill a home with sound, making them lively companions.
These birds thrive on social interaction and can become quite noisy when seeking attention. Despite their noise, they are affectionate and enjoy forming strong bonds with their human counterparts.
Providing them with plenty of toys and interaction helps keep their noise levels manageable. Lovebirds are delightful pets for those who appreciate a dynamic and engaging avian friend.
Lory
Lories are known for their energetic personalities and vocal prowess. These birds can produce loud, high-pitched calls that resonate throughout their environment.
Their social and playful nature makes them engaging companions, but their vocalizations can be intense for some owners. Lories require plenty of interaction and stimulation to keep them content and entertained.
Proper training and social engagement help manage their vocal tendencies, making them suitable for those who enjoy a lively and interactive pet bird. Lories are colorful and charming but come with a high noise level.
Zebra Finch
Zebra finches are known for their cheerful chirping and are a popular choice for novice bird owners. Their vocalizations are soft and pleasant, providing a gentle background noise rather than a disruptive one.
These small birds are social and thrive in the company of other finches, often engaging in soft, melodic conversations. They are relatively low-maintenance but enjoy interaction and play.
Providing them with a stimulating environment and companionship helps maintain their cheerful nature. Zebra finches are delightful pets for those who appreciate a subtle and soothing avian presence in their home.