15 Super-Friendly Bird Species That Make Great Pets

Written By

Mathew Abraham

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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.

parrot in hand
Cristian Rojas/Pexels

Choosing the right bird can make all the difference in your pet-owning experience. Birds are social companions that bond with their owners, fill your space with joy, and thrive with the right care. Whether you want a chatty parrot or a quiet canary, understanding the personality of each species helps you find a perfect feathered friend. It also helps you understand and meet their unique needs. These 15 bird species are known for being friendly and engaging, making them great choices for any bird lover.

1. Budgerigar (Parakeet)

Budgerigar (Parakeet)
William Warby/Pexels

Budgerigars are small birds with big personalities. If you’re looking for a pet that’s easy to care for and loves interaction, a budgie may be perfect for you. These birds enjoy chirping, mimicking sounds, and even learning words if you train them patiently. They thrive when you engage with them every day, and they love playing with toys or exploring their environment. Budgies are great for first-time owners because they are low-maintenance but still very affectionate. With your love and care, your budgie will become a cheerful companion for years to come.​

2. Cockatiel

Cockatiel
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Cockatiels love interacting with their owners and love getting attention. These birds use the crest on their head to express their emotions, making it easy for you to understand their mood. Cockatiels enjoy whistling tunes, and with time, they may even mimic some sounds around your home. They are very social birds and do best when kept in pairs or in households where they get plenty of attention. If you’re someone who enjoys daily interaction with pets, a cockatiel will make a loving and playful addition to your life​.

3. Cockatoo

Cockatoo
Chris F/Pexels

Cockatoos are affectionate birds that love being the center of attention. If you choose a cockatoo, be ready for lots of interaction. This is important as your pet can become lonely if left alone for too long. These birds enjoy cuddling, playing with toys, and even learning tricks. However, they need plenty of space and mental stimulation to stay happy. A cockatoo will reward your attention with loyalty and affection, making them a great choice for experienced owners who can meet their high emotional needs​.

4. Hyacinth Macaw

Hyacinth Macaw
Samuel Maisonet/Pexels

The Hyacinth Macaw is a giant in the bird world, but don’t let its size scare you. These birds are often described as gentle giants, loved for their warm and friendly demeanor. They love interacting and playing with their caretakers, often forming strong bonds with their human companions. If you have the space and experience to care for them, Hyacinth Macaws will bring joy to your home with their playful antics. These birds benefit from regular social interaction and mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Also, they need large living areas, plenty of toys, and your companionship to thrive​. 

5. Dove

Dove
Pixabay/Pexels

Doves are peaceful birds that enjoy companionship without being too demanding. If you have a busy schedule, a dove can still fit right into your life. These birds enjoy flying around their space and benefit from gentle interaction with their owners. They are low-maintenance, but regular social time helps keep them happy. Allow your dove to fly freely regularly and socialize with them. A dove’s soft cooing adds a soothing presence to any home, making them great pets for those who want a calm and peaceful companion​.

6. Parrotlet

Parrotlet
Joel Alencar/Pexels

Parrotlets may be tiny, but they have bold personalities. These birds love interaction and need daily attention to stay social and friendly. Parrotlets are perfect for you if you want an active pet that can learn tricks and enjoys climbing and playing. Their small size makes them easy to care for, but their strong personalities mean they need consistent training. With the right care, your parrotlet will be a playful, loving companion for many years​. Despite their size, they behave like larger parrots, showing independence and occasional stubbornness.

7. Green-Cheeked Conure

Green-Cheeked Conure
Bluepaints/Pixabay

Green-cheeked conjures are celebrated for their lively personalities and loving disposition. These birds enjoy bonding with their owners and are quieter than most parrots, making them a good fit for apartments. They love toys, cuddles, and plenty of out-of-cage time. If you’re someone who enjoys interactive pets, a Green-Cheeked Conure will bring energy and joy to your life with its charming personality​. These social birds thrive with daily interaction and benefit from mental stimulation through games or training sessions.

8. Hahn’s Macaw

Hahn’s Macaw
IvyTheMacaw/Reddit

Hahn’s Macaws are small but full of energy and personality. They thrive on interaction with their owners and enjoy learning tricks and playing games. These birds need lots of mental stimulation and attention to stay happy. If you’re prepared for their playful nature, they will become loyal and entertaining companions. Hahn’s Macaws are ideal for experienced bird lovers who want an active, engaging pet​. Their vibrant personalities make them prone to mischievous behavior if you leave them unstimulated.

9. Eclectus Parrot

Eclectus Parrot
Hartono subagio/Pixabay

The Eclectus Parrot is known for its stunning colors and calm demeanor. These parrots enjoy predictable routines and form strong bonds with their owners through consistent interaction. They are quieter than other parrots but still enjoy social time with their human companions. If you want a gentle and affectionate pet, the Eclectus Parrot will be a wonderful addition to your life​. Proper socialization allows them to adjust well in stable environments and learn to mimic words and phrases, adding to their charm. 

10. Canary

Canary
Alfred Grupstra/Pixabay

Canaries are perfect for bird lovers who enjoy soothing melodies. These birds are low-maintenance and prefer observing their environment over being handled. Male canaries sing beautifully, bringing joy to your home with their cheerful tunes. They love spacious cages and enjoy flying around to explore their space. A canary will be a delightful companion, filling your life with music and color​. While they don’t demand constant attention, canaries enjoy stimulation via music or interactive toys, adding vibrancy to their surroundings.

11. Lovebird

Lovebird
Anil Sharma/Pixabay

Lovebirds are small parrots with big personalities. These birds thrive on interaction and bond deeply with their owners. They love playing with toys and need regular social time to prevent boredom. If you enjoy interactive pets, a lovebird will reward you with affection and playful behavior. They are perfect for owners who have the time to dedicate to their energetic nature​. Lovebirds can be kept alone, forming a strong bond with their human, or in pairs, where they often share endearing displays of affection.

12. African Grey Parrot

African Grey Parrot
Rachel Leslie/Pixabay

The African Grey Parrot is celebrated for its remarkable intelligence and impressive talent for imitating human speech. These birds love mental stimulation and are eager to learn new words and tricks. If you’re looking for a highly interactive pet, an African Grey will make a fascinating companion. They bond closely with their owners and require regular engagement to stay happy and healthy​. However, they are emotionally sensitive and can become stressed if neglected. So, make sure to engage your pet in mental challenges, such as puzzle toys and training sessions.

13. Pionus Parrot

Pionus Parrot
Dernwen/Reddit

Pionus parrots are independent birds that enjoy social interaction without being too demanding. They are quieter than other parrots, making them excellent for apartment living. These birds love their time out of the cage as it helps them explore their surroundings and interact with you. Pionus parrots enjoy toys that challenge their minds and promote exercise. While they appreciate attention, they do not require constant interaction, making them ideal companions if you need a friendly yet low-maintenance pet.

14. Amazon Parrot

Amazon Parrot
João Saplak/Pexels

Amazon parrots are spirited, clever birds celebrated for their playful antics and bright, engaging personalities. They love regular interaction and enjoy learning tricks, mimicking words, and engaging in stimulating activities. These parrots have a knack for forming strong bonds with their caretakers, rewarding them with affectionate gestures and amusing antics. Due to their social nature, Amazon parrots need plenty of attention to remain happy and healthy. With the right care, they will become entertaining, loyal companions full of charm.

15. Quaker Parrot (Monk Parakeet)

Quaker Parrot (Monk Parakeet)
René Lussi/Pexels

Quaker Parrots, also known as Monk Parakeets, are friendly, intelligent birds known for their social nature and remarkable talking abilities. These playful parrots will form deep bonds with you through regular engagement and mental stimulation. Their lively personality makes them a joy to be around, and they love learning new words and tricks. However, Quaker Parrots need plenty of attention to prevent boredom, as they can become restless without adequate social interaction. They are ideal companions if you can dedicate time to their care.

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