Birds bring joy and life into our homes, but if you’re looking for a feathered friend, the sound they make matters. Some birds have loud, attention-grabbing calls, while others prefer quieter conversations. Whether you’re in a bustling household or an apartment, choosing the right bird breed based on noise level is crucial. In this article, we’ll explore 10 of the loudest bird breeds and 10 surprisingly quiet ones to help you find the perfect pet that matches your lifestyle. Get ready to discover the ideal balance between beauty, personality, and noise level for your home!

1. Nanday Conure – The Energetic, Loud Companion

The Nanday Conure, also known as the Black-Hooded Parakeet, is notorious for its loud, piercing calls. This South American native can reach up to 155 decibels—comparable to the sound of a jet engine. Despite their ear-piercing noise, they are playful, energetic, and affectionate. However, their loud vocalizations can be overwhelming, especially in small spaces. They are intelligent and can learn tricks, but be prepared for the noise. Their vibrant personality and ability to bond with owners come with a price: their loudness.

2. Moluccan Cockatoo – The Affectionate, Boisterous Bird

Known for their striking appearance and outgoing nature, Moluccan Cockatoos are among the loudest parrots. They can emit sounds as loud as 135 decibels, which is louder than a chainsaw. These birds are highly intelligent and affectionate, forming strong bonds with their owners. However, their loud screeches, often a form of communication or attention-seeking, can be difficult to handle in smaller homes or apartments. If you can handle their vocal nature, their friendly, loving demeanor makes them wonderful companions.

3. White Bellbird – The Mating Call Master

The White Bellbird, hailing from the Amazon, is infamous for its incredibly loud calls. Males use these shrill, ear-piercing sounds to attract mates. With calls reaching up to 125 decibels, the White Bellbird’s vocalizations are even louder than howler monkeys. The noise is so intense that it’s almost like an alarm going off. While its piercing calls serve a purpose in the wild, they can be unbearable in a home setting. The bird’s vibrant calls may seem charming in nature, but they are a force to be reckoned with.

4. Rooster – The Early Morning Alarm Clock

Roosters are widely known for their crowing, which can be heard at dawn. However, not all roosters are equally loud. Some crow at around 90 decibels, the same as a barking dog. However, certain breeds can reach up to 130 decibels, similar to the noise level of a chainsaw. Their crowing can be a nuisance to neighbors and often happens early in the morning. Roosters are territorial and use their crowing to announce their presence. While their calls might wake you up at the crack of dawn, they are a natural part of farm life.

5. Mealy Amazon Parrot – The Chatty, Loud Entertainer

The Mealy Amazon Parrot is known for its bright green feathers and its incredibly loud voice. With a chirp reaching 124 decibels, it’s as loud as a rock concert. This parrot is not just noisy but also highly intelligent. It loves attention and can learn to talk and sing, often mimicking sounds or phrases from its environment. Their loud, engaging nature makes them fun but can also be overwhelming in quieter settings. If you’re considering one as a pet, be prepared for their vocalizations and their desire to be the center of attention.

6. Cockatiel – The Cheerful, Ear-Piercing Chirper

Cockatiels are small, friendly birds known for their loud chirping, which can reach up to 123 decibels. Though they are gentle and social creatures, their vocalizations can be jarring, especially when they are excited or bored. Cockatiels are famous for their ability to mimic sounds and whistles. They will often chirp when seeking attention or out of sheer excitement. Despite their size, these birds can make a surprisingly large amount of noise, making them unsuitable for quiet environments or small apartments.

7. Sun Conure – The Bright, Joyful Noisemaker

The Sun Conure is as vibrant and colorful as its personality. Known for its energetic nature, this bird can reach noise levels of up to 120 decibels, comparable to a chainsaw or lawnmower. Sun Conures are highly social and affectionate, forming strong bonds with their owners. However, their constant chirping and calling can be overwhelming. They require a lot of interaction and stimulation to keep from becoming overly vocal. If you love bright, engaging pets and don’t mind the noise, a Sun Conure could be a great addition to your family.

8. Peacock – The Majestic but Loud Bird

Peacocks are renowned for their stunning appearance, but their loud calls are not to be overlooked. Their vocalizations can reach up to 115 decibels, which is the same volume as a leaf blower. Although not as loud as some other species on this list, their calls are still quite piercing. Peacocks typically use their vocalizations to mark their territory or attract mates. If you live in a rural area or have a large property, their calls may not be as disruptive. However, they can be quite a nuisance in quieter urban environments.

9. Eclectus Parrot – The Colorful, Piercing Talker

The Eclectus Parrot, with its vibrant green and red plumage, is both beautiful and loud. This bird’s chirp can reach 115 decibels, which is comparable to the sound of a chainsaw. Native to the Maluku Islands and nearby regions, the Eclectus Parrot is known for its intelligence and ability to mimic human speech. While their colorful appearance makes them a popular pet, their loud calls and vocalizations can be a challenge for those in smaller living spaces. They are excellent talkers, but be ready for the noise.

10. Parakeet – The Tiny Bird with a Surprisingly Loud Chirp

Parakeets are small birds, but don’t let their size fool you—they can chirp loud enough to compete with larger species. Their chirps typically range from 65 to 70 decibels, but they can reach up to 111 decibels when they want to. This is roughly the same noise level as a chainsaw. While they are commonly kept as pets, their chirping can become a bit much, especially in confined spaces. Parakeets are highly social birds, and their vocal nature is a part of their charming personality, but it’s not always easy to tolerate.

11. Bourke’s Parakeet – The Calm and Peaceful Companion

Bourke’s Parakeet is one of the quietest pet birds you can have. This gentle bird is known for its subtle and soft chirping, making it an ideal choice for anyone seeking a more peaceful bird. Their gentle nature makes them easy to bond with, and their calm demeanor means they’re not likely to engage in noisy behavior. While they are social and enjoy companionship, their soft, melodic chirps are nothing like the loud calls of other species. This makes Bourke’s Parakeet perfect for apartment living or homes where noise levels need to be kept low.

12. Cockatiel – Sweet Whistles, No Screeches

Cockatiels are famous for their charming whistles and quiet, pleasant chirps. Unlike their louder counterparts, cockatiels are not overly vocal, making them perfect for indoor living. They enjoy bonding with their human companions and will happily whistle a tune when in the mood. While they can get chatty at times, they’re generally not known for causing a ruckus, making them great for those seeking a quieter pet with a joyful spirit. Their playful nature and loving personality make them excellent companions, always ready to brighten your day with a cheerful song.

13. Canary – A Gentle Songbird for Tranquil Moments

Canaries are known for their beautiful, soft songs, but they are not excessively loud. These birds will sing beautifully, but their chirps are soft and mellow, creating a peaceful atmosphere in your home. They don’t demand much attention and are content to sing when they feel like it. Their quiet nature makes them ideal for someone who enjoys a bird’s presence but doesn’t want to deal with constant noise. Canaries are low-maintenance companions, providing just the right touch of melody without overwhelming your space.

14. Lovebird – Quiet Yet Full of Personality

Lovebirds are small, affectionate parrots that enjoy the company of their partners. They can make sweet, soft vocalizations but are not loud birds. Their chirps are gentle and are usually reserved for moments of excitement or when they are bonding with their mate. They might not be as vocal as other parrots, but they make up for it with their engaging personalities and strong attachment to their owners. Their affectionate nature and playful demeanor make them delightful companions, perfect for anyone seeking a bird with a loving presence.

15. Zebra Finch – A Melodic Yet Modest Singer

Zebra Finches are tiny birds that bring a soft, chirping melody to any space. These birds are social but not noisy. They communicate with one another in quiet chirps, creating a peaceful environment. Their songs are calm, especially when compared to larger, more boisterous birds. They thrive in pairs or small groups, adding a soothing touch to your home without causing overwhelming noise. These charming little birds are perfect for those seeking a serene atmosphere, offering a gentle, harmonious soundtrack to daily life.

16. Pacific Parrotlet – Small but Serene

Known for their small size, Pacific Parrotlets are surprisingly quiet for a parrot species. Their chirps are faint and rarely loud enough to be disturbing. These birds are affectionate and thrive on interacting with their owners. While they are active and enjoy socializing, their calm vocalizations make them an ideal choice for anyone who values tranquility. Their small size also means they’re easy to care for and adapt well to smaller living spaces. Despite their quiet nature, their playful antics and intelligence keep you entertained without overwhelming your ears.

17. Green-cheeked Conure – Gentle and Affectionate

The Green-cheeked Conure is one of the quieter conure species, making it an ideal pet for those who want a parrot but not the constant noise. While they can be playful and affectionate, their vocalizations are not as loud as those of other conures. Their chirps are soft and pleasant, adding a gentle ambiance to your home without overwhelming your ears. These birds enjoy bonding with their owners and can be quite entertaining with their playful antics, all while maintaining a relatively calm demeanor compared to their noisier counterparts.

18. Senegal Parrot – Calm with a Touch of Whimsy

The Senegal Parrot is known for being a calm and quiet bird compared to other parrot species. It has a soft, sweet voice and chirps at a moderate volume. Their mellow nature makes them perfect for households where peace are valued. Though they enjoy interacting with their humans, they won’t demand constant attention with loud sounds. Their gentle nature makes them an excellent choice for a calm pet bird. Senegal Parrots are also highly intelligent and can learn tricks and mimic sounds, but they do so without overwhelming noise.

19. Society Finch – The Social Yet Silent Chirper

Society Finches are peaceful and social birds that bring calmness without creating noise. They thrive in pairs or small groups, communicating through soft, melodious chirps that are soothing to hear. Their gentle vocalizations add a touch of harmony to your home without being overwhelming. These birds are perfect for anyone who loves the presence of birds but prefers a quieter environment. Society Finches also form strong bonds with their companions, making them ideal for bird lovers who value connection and serenity in their feathered friends.

20. Budgerigar – The Mellow Chirper

Budgies are cherished for their gentle, sweet chirps that bring warmth without noise. While they can occasionally be more vocal, their sounds are typically soft and pleasant. These birds often chirp quietly, especially when forming bonds with their human companions, showcasing their affectionate nature. Their playful yet calm demeanor makes them an excellent choice for anyone seeking a bird with lively energy that doesn’t overwhelm with loudness. Budgies are perfect for those wanting a joyful pet that keeps the noise level low.