Parakeets: No wonder—they’re silly, sweet birds with big personalities that vary from bird to bird. Pet parents also like their small stature, low noise level and easygoing nature.
Cockatiels: Affectionate, spirited and curious, cockatiels rank just behind parakeets when it comes to the best birds as pets.
Canaries are cheerful, good-natured songsters who require low-key TLC. While they typically don’t like to be handled, keeping your canary’s cage in a room.
Conures: They’re crazy smart, and they need your attention to really thrive. Intelligent, playful and slightly mischievous, they thrive on interaction with you both in and out of their cages.
African Greys: Of all the birds who can talk, the African grey is considered the best talker, which is what attracts people to bring one into their home.
Amazon Parrots: Be ready to be in it for the long haul, as Amazon parrots can easily reach 40 years old. They’re intelligent, social creatures, constantly in need of interaction and attention.
Parrotlets, affectionately known as “pocket parrots,” are charming, miniature-size, true parrots who make for some of the best parrots for pets, especially if you are a first-time parent.
Pionus Parrots: Just about as charming and personable as can be, pionus parrots are medium in size, but still smaller than an Amazon or African grey. And they are such fun to live with!
Finches: Super social, finches should never be kept as a solitary animal. They always need to be kept in groups of two or more.
Ring-Necked Doves: No, they’re not common pet birds—in fact, only 3 percent of bird parents keep doves. But they should be more popular.