12 Quiet Bird Species for Apartment Living

Written By

Mathew Abraham

Updated on

Mathew Abraham

Meet Mathew, Cat Dad and Animal Advocate! Mathew is the editor at PawDown, overseeing content strategy and quality. He's in charge of carefully curating the best pet stories, tips, and advice for you.

birds
Murilo Folgosi/Pexels

Living in an apartment means keeping a peaceful and quiet environment is often a priority. Choosing a pet bird that fits your space without causing noise complaints can be a bit challenging. Thankfully, some bird species are known for being calm and quiet, making them ideal companions for small living spaces. If you’re looking for a bird that will bring joy to your home without the usual noise, consider these 12 species that thrive in apartment settings.

Budgerigar (Budgie)

Budgerigar (Budgie)
William Warby/Pexels

Budgerigars, also known as budgies, are small and energetic birds that love to communicate through cheerful but quiet chatter. They are well-suited for apartment living because their vocalizations are not loud enough to disturb neighbors. Budgies need plenty of stimulation, and they thrive with attention and toys to keep them entertained. Housing your budgie in a spacious cage with horizontal room for flying will allow it to remain active and happy. Social interaction is essential for bonding, and with time, many budgies can learn to mimic words and perform simple tricks, adding charm to their personalities.

Canary

Canary
C/Pexels

Canaries are known for their sweet, melodious songs, but they sing at a level that’s pleasant and unlikely to cause noise issues. These birds are perfect for those who enjoy hearing gentle tunes without the hassle of frequent handling. Male canaries are particularly appreciated for their superior singing ability compared to females. While they enjoy singing, their vocalizations are soothing rather than disruptive, creating a peaceful atmosphere. They come in a variety of bright colors, adding visual appeal to your home as well. If you want a low-maintenance, quietly musical companion, the canary is a fantastic choice for apartment dwellers.

Cockatiel

Cockatiel
Roshan Mendonca/Pexels

Cockatiels are beloved for their friendly nature and their gentle whistles and chirps. They form strong connections with their human caregivers and thrive on interaction, making them affectionate companions. While they do chirp, it’s not overwhelming, making them suitable for apartment living. Female cockatiels tend to be quieter than males, so they’re a good option if you prefer less noise. These birds also can learn simple tunes, enhancing their appeal. If you’re patient, you might even teach them a few whistled songs, adding some extra entertainment to their already lovable character.

Finch

Finch
William Warby/Pexels

Finches are small, social birds that thrive in groups and create soft, melodic chirps that are easy on the ears. They prefer the company of other finches, so it’s best to keep them in pairs or small groups. Although they’re tiny, they need space to fly, so a larger cage is essential. Finches aren’t demanding pets and don’t require much handling, making them an easy addition to apartment life. Their gentle chirping adds a pleasant ambiance without being disruptive. Overall, finches are a great option if you’re looking for a small, low-maintenance bird that brings soft sounds to your home.

Parrotlet

Parrotlet
Lucas Pezeta/Pexels

Parrotlets are tiny birds with big personalities, known for their soft but expressive chirps. These little birds are ideal for apartment living because they’re generally quiet and don’t create much noise. Parrotlets are highly interactive and require regular attention to avoid boredom. With the right stimulation, these birds can learn to speak a few words and perform tricks, though they don’t need as much care as larger parrots. Their playful nature makes them entertaining pets, and they bond closely with their owners. Despite their size, parrotlets are bold and lively, adding a spark of personality to any small space.

Senegal Parrot

Senegal Parrot
Magda Ehlers/Pexels

Senegal parrots are calm and quiet by nature, making them excellent for apartment dwellers who want a bird without excessive noise. These parrots bond closely with their owners and enjoy regular interaction, but they aren’t demanding in terms of noise. Their vocalizations are soft, and they rarely scream or screech, unlike some larger parrot species. Senegal parrots also require mental stimulation through toys and activities, so it’s important to provide them with enrichment opportunities. Their gentle, quiet demeanor makes them a wonderful choice for those seeking a quieter pet that still enjoys socializing with its owner.

Bourke’s Parakeet

Bourke's Parakeet
Marg Strickland/Pixabay

Bourke’s parakeets are known for their soft, melodious chattering, particularly during early mornings or at sunset. Their gentle nature makes them an ideal pet for apartment living, as they rarely make loud or disruptive sounds. Bourke’s parakeets are moderately active, enjoying a mix of flying and resting throughout the day. Their calm disposition and relatively low-maintenance care make them great pets for first-time bird owners. Males often have beautiful blue crowns, adding a touch of color to their already charming personalities. Overall, Bourke’s parakeets are a fantastic option if you’re looking for a quiet, gentle companion.

Pionus Parrot

Pionus Parrot
FABIO SOUTO/Pexels

Pionus parrots are medium-sized birds that are prized for their quiet demeanor and independent nature. While they enjoy socializing with their owners, Pionus parrots are less vocal than many other parrots, making them well-suited for apartment living. Their quiet nature does not mean they’re antisocial—on the contrary, they love interacting with their owners, though they don’t demand constant attention. Pionus parrots are also known for their resilience and ease of care, making them a great choice for bird enthusiasts seeking a companion that’s relatively low-maintenance but still interactive and affectionate.

Pacific Parrotlet

Pacific Parrotlet
Elisa/Pixabay

Pacific parrotlets may be small, but they have vibrant personalities and soft voices that are perfect for apartment living. These birds love interaction and require frequent mental and physical stimulation to stay happy. Their chirps are soft and unlikely to disturb neighbors, which makes them great companions in small spaces. Pacific parrotlets bond closely with their owners and enjoy flying and playing in their cages. If given the right care and attention, these birds can be loving, lively, and engaging pets, offering plenty of joy to their owners without excessive noise.

Lovebird

Lovebird
Jonathan Borba/Pexels

Lovebirds may be small, but they are incredibly social and playful. Their chirps, while frequent, are not particularly loud, making them suitable for apartment living. Lovebirds thrive on interaction and enjoy spending time with their owners, forming deep bonds over time. They need plenty of stimulation to stay happy, so providing toys and engaging activities is important. Although they are more vocal than some other species, lovebirds’ sounds are not disruptive, and their affectionate nature makes them delightful companions. With proper care, they can live long, healthy lives in the cozy confines of an apartment.

Green-Cheeked Conure

Green-Cheeked Conure
bluepaints/Pixabay

Green-cheeked conures are quieter than most other conure species, making them a great choice for apartment living. While they are playful and curious, they don’t tend to be excessively noisy. These conures enjoy spending time with their owners and are known for their affectionate nature. Their playful personalities make them a joy to have around, but they also know when to settle down, keeping their noise levels manageable. Green-cheeked conures thrive on attention and interaction, so they’ll need plenty of toys and engagement. If you want an affectionate bird with a manageable noise level, the green-cheeked conure is a wonderful option.

Eclectus Parrot

Eclectus Parrot
mehranbab/Pixabay

Eclectus parrots are prized for their calm, quiet voices and vibrant plumage. These medium-sized birds are highly intelligent and enjoy regular interaction, but they don’t produce the loud noises that many other parrots do. Male Eclectus parrots tend to be more docile, while females are more independent, but both sexes are relatively quiet. Their stunning green and red feathers add a visual appeal to their gentle, peaceful personalities. Eclectus parrots are a great choice for bird lovers who want a unique, colorful pet that won’t create excessive noise in a small living space.

Related Posts

Discover 10 small, attention-loving birds and 5 independent breeds that thrive in minimal space and require less care.
Discover the social needs of 10 pet birds that thrive with a feathered friend and 5 species that prefer bonding with you.
Explore 10 wild bird species often kept as pets, blending beauty, intelligence, and a wild spirit that brings nature into your home!
Check out these 11 cute duck breeds that you just can't overlook! Meet the adorable ducks that have delightful appearances and fun personalities.
Discover birds that amaze with intelligence and others that dazzle with stunning colors.
Learn about the 12 unexpected risks of raising chickens in your backyard, along with tips to ensure their safety and health.
Discover 8 essential tips for raising turkeys, from choosing breeds to disease prevention, to ensure your farm's success and profitability.
Discover six birds with extraordinary beaks and learn how their unique adaptations help them survive and thrive in their environments.
Looking for the perfect farm animal for your kids? Discover friendly, gentle companions that teach responsibility and bring joy to the family!

Leave a Comment