Birds can make excellent pets for those looking for a lively, colorful, and interactive companion. However, not all bird breeds are suited for first-time owners.

Some birds require specialized care, lots of attention, and have high energy levels that can be overwhelming for beginners.

If you’re new to bird ownership, choosing the right breed is essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Here are the top 10 best bird breeds for beginners that are easy to care for, friendly, and fun to have around.

Top 10 Best Bird Breeds for Beginners

1. Budgerigar (Budgie)

Budgies are among the most popular pet birds, and for good reason. These small, colorful birds are easy to care for and highly interactive.

Budgies are known for their ability to mimic speech and can form a strong bond with their owners.

They require a modest-sized cage, basic toys, and a balanced diet of seeds and pellets. Budgies are perfect for beginners due to their cheerful nature and adaptability to different environments.

2. Cockatiel

Cockatiels are gentle, affectionate birds that make excellent pets for first-time bird owners. They are friendly, easy to train, and enjoy spending time with their human companions.

Cockatiels have a charming personality and can learn to whistle and mimic simple tunes.

These birds are low-maintenance compared to larger parrots and are content in medium-sized cages with toys and perches. They love to interact but are also happy entertaining themselves when needed.

3. Canary

If you’re looking for a low-maintenance bird that fills your home with pleasant melodies, the canary is an excellent choice.

Canaries are small, quiet birds known for their beautiful singing, especially male canaries.

They are independent and don’t require much handling, making them perfect for those who prefer a more hands-off approach.

Canaries thrive in well-sized cages with space to fly and perch and need only basic care and a balanced diet.

4. Finch

Finches are another great option for beginner bird owners. They are small, sociable, and relatively easy to care for.

Finches don’t require much attention from their owners, making them perfect for people who want a pet that doesn’t demand constant interaction.

Since they are flock birds, it’s best to keep them in pairs or small groups. Finches are active and love to fly around their cages, so providing a spacious enclosure is key to keeping them happy.

5. Lovebird

Lovebirds are small parrots with big personalities. While they can be a bit more challenging than some of the other beginner birds on this list, they are incredibly affectionate and enjoy interacting with their owners.

Lovebirds need mental stimulation and toys to stay entertained. With patience and regular interaction, they can become very tame and loving pets.

They thrive on human attention and enjoy being part of daily family activities.

6. Parrotlet

Parrotlets are small, lively parrots that make excellent pets for beginners who are looking for a bird with a big personality in a compact size.

They are playful, intelligent, and enjoy spending time with their owners.

Although parrotlets are small, they have a fearless and curious nature.

They do require a little more attention than a budgie, but they are generally easy to care for and are content with a variety of toys and perches to keep them engaged.

7. Bourke’s Parakeet

Bourke’s Parakeets are calm and quiet birds that are ideal for first-time owners. They are known for their peaceful nature and adaptability to different living environments.

Unlike some other parakeet species, Bourke’s Parakeets are less likely to be noisy, making them great pets for apartment dwellers.

They are easy to care for and enjoy moderate interaction with their owners. These birds are more laid-back than many other parrot species, making them suitable for beginners.

8. Pionus Parrot

Pionus Parrots are relatively quiet compared to other parrots and have a gentle, calm demeanor.

They are independent but still enjoy spending time with their owners, making them a great choice for beginner bird owners.

Pionus Parrots are less demanding than other parrot breeds in terms of attention, but they do require mental stimulation and toys.

They have a sweet and affectionate personality, and they form strong bonds with their human companions.

9. Dove

Doves are peaceful and gentle birds that are easy to care for, making them an ideal choice for beginners.

They are quiet, with a soft cooing sound, which is much less disruptive than the louder calls of parrots.

Doves require a spacious cage and basic care, such as regular cleaning and a simple diet of seeds and grains.

Their calm demeanor and low-maintenance care needs make them an excellent choice for people new to bird ownership.

10. Zebra Finch

Zebra Finches are small, active birds that are easy to care for and don’t require much interaction.

They are content to live in pairs or small groups and provide cheerful chirping without the need for extensive handling.

These birds thrive in spacious cages with plenty of perches and places to explore.

Zebra Finches are perfect for beginners who want a lively bird that doesn’t demand constant attention but still adds charm and energy to their home.

Conclusion

Owning a bird can be a rewarding experience, especially if you choose a breed that suits your lifestyle and experience level.

The birds on this list are great for beginners because they are relatively easy to care for, have friendly temperaments, and don’t require excessive attention.

Whether you’re looking for a bird that sings sweet melodies like a canary or one that enjoys interactive play like a cockatiel, there’s a beginner-friendly bird breed to suit everyone’s preferences.