When it comes to bringing a parrot into your home, choosing the right breed is crucial, especially if you’re a first-time bird owner. While parrots can make wonderful, intelligent, and affectionate companions, not all species are suitable for beginners. Some parrot breeds are more demanding, requiring a great deal of attention, training, and experience to thrive. Here, we’ll explore 6 parrot breeds that are perfect for beginners, as well as 6 breeds that are better suited for experienced owners.

1. Budgerigar (Budgie)

Budgies are small, friendly, and easy to care for, making them perfect for first-time parrot owners. These birds are social by nature and love interacting with their human companions. Budgies are highly trainable and can learn simple tricks, including mimicking words. Their small size means they require less space, and they are relatively low-maintenance. Budgies thrive on regular attention, and their cheerful, playful personality will make them a fun addition to your home. If you’re looking for a lively, affectionate parrot, a budgie is an excellent choice.

2. Cockatiel

Cockatiels are among the most popular parrot species due to their gentle temperament and easygoing nature. These birds are quiet compared to many other parrots, making them ideal for apartments or smaller living spaces. Cockatiels form strong bonds with their owners and love attention, making them affectionate companions. They are also easy to train, with many cockatiels learning to whistle or perform simple tricks. Their calm demeanor and social nature make them great for beginners who want a bird that’s easy to handle and enjoy spending time with.

3. Lovebird

Lovebirds are small, affectionate parrots known for their strong bonding with owners. Despite their tiny size, they have big personalities and thrive on interaction. Lovebirds enjoy being part of family activities and often become very attached to their human companions. They are also relatively easy to train and can learn to perform tricks or mimic sounds. Lovebirds are active and playful, making them an engaging addition to any household. However, they do require socialization, so they do best in homes where they can get plenty of attention.

4. Parakeet

Parakeets are cheerful, small parrots that are perfect for first-time pet owners. Known for their sociable nature, parakeets love interacting with humans and other birds. They are relatively low-maintenance, requiring just a bit of attention and regular care. These birds are quick learners and can be trained to mimic simple words or sounds, making them enjoyable to watch and interact with. Parakeets do well in pairs, so if you have the space, consider adopting two to keep each other company. Their lively and friendly nature will brighten up your home.

5. Green Cheek Conure

Green Cheek Conures are small but highly affectionate birds, making them perfect for new bird owners. These parrots are known for their gentle nature and enjoy being around their human family members. Green Cheek Conures are playful and can learn tricks, making them fun companions to interact with. Compared to other conures, they are relatively quiet, which is a huge plus for people living in smaller spaces. Their calm temperament, ease of care, and social behavior make them great pets for beginners looking for a small but loving parrot.

6. Quaker Parrot

Quaker parrots are intelligent, social, and relatively easy to care for, making them an excellent choice for beginners. These parrots are known for their ability to mimic speech and can learn simple phrases and tricks. Quaker parrots form strong bonds with their owners and enjoy spending time interacting with them. While they can be a bit noisy at times, their affectionate nature and playful personality more than make up for it. Quakers are easy to train and adapt well to family life, making them a great option for first-time parrot owners looking for an engaging and communicative companion.

7. Macaw

Macaws are stunningly beautiful and incredibly intelligent, but they are not suitable for first-time bird owners. Their large size requires significant space, and they need daily mental stimulation and interaction. Known for their loud calls, macaws can become demanding and need experienced owners who can meet their care needs. Additionally, their long lifespan demands a long-term commitment, which might not be ideal for beginners. If you’re unprepared for their complex needs, macaws might not be the right choice for your first parrot.

8. African Grey Parrot

The African Grey Parrot is one of the most intelligent parrot species, known for its exceptional ability to mimic human speech. However, their advanced intelligence comes with a high demand for mental stimulation and emotional connection, which can be overwhelming for a beginner. African Greys can develop behavioral issues like feather plucking or aggression if not properly cared for. They require an experienced owner who understands how to meet their emotional and cognitive needs. Due to their complex nature, they are better suited for those with experience in caring for parrots.

9. Cockatoo

Cockatoos are affectionate and bond closely with their owners, but they are high-maintenance birds, making them challenging for first-time owners. They thrive on constant interaction, which, if unmet, can lead to destructive behaviors or even aggression. Cockatoos are very vocal, which can be difficult to manage in smaller living spaces or for individuals who prefer quieter pets. Their need for regular mental and physical stimulation, as well as consistent emotional support, makes them a demanding pet.

10. Amazon Parrot

Amazon parrots are known for their intelligence and strong personalities, but these traits come with challenges for beginners. They can become territorial and aggressive if not properly trained and socialized. Additionally, Amazon parrots require a lot of consistent mental and physical stimulation to stay happy. Their loud calls and large size can make them difficult to manage in smaller homes or apartments. Amazon parrots also need strong, confident leadership from their owners, which can be a bit much for first-time parrot keepers. 

11. Eclectus Parrot

Eclectus parrots are stunning, with vibrant feathers, but they have specific and complex care requirements that make them less suitable for beginner parrot owners. Their diet needs to be carefully balanced, and they require a lot of attention. Eclectus parrots can also be quite sensitive and stress easily, which means they need experienced owners who understand how to manage their emotional well-being. This species is more prone to health issues when not properly cared for, making them a better choice for those who are well-versed in bird care rather than first-time owners.

12. Caique

Caiques are energetic and playful, but their high energy levels can be overwhelming for a first-time parrot owner. These parrots are known for their mischievous nature and can be unpredictable or even aggressive if not well-socialized. Their playful behavior requires constant mental stimulation and engagement, which can be difficult for beginners who lack experience in managing high-energy birds. Caiques are best suited for experienced parrot owners who can provide them with the necessary attention, training, and socialization to ensure they remain happy and healthy in a home environment.

Love Pets as Much as We Do?

Scroll up and click the ‘Follow’ button to stay updated with the latest heartwarming, hilarious, and helpful pet posts from Pawdown, delivered straight to your Microsoft Start feed and MSN homepage!