Thinking about getting a pet bird? That’s awesome! Maybe you’re imagining a colorful, chatty friend to brighten your home.
But hold on a second. Before you rush out to the pet store, let’s talk about what it really means to have a bird. There’s a common idea about “beginner birds,” like they’re super easy and don’t need much care. That’s just not true.
Every bird, big or small, needs a lot of love, time, and attention from you. This article is going to be your guide. We’ll look at some of the best pet birds for beginners, discuss their needs, and help you decide if you’re ready for a feathered friend.
What Does “Beginner Bird” Really Mean?
Let’s be real. There’s no such thing as an “easy” bird. They’re all smart and complex, like little feathered Einsteins, and they all have unique needs.
Thinking of a bird as “beginner” is kind of like thinking of a puppy or kitten as a “beginner pet,” which is just silly.
Instead of searching for the easiest bird, consider finding one that fits your personality and lifestyle. It’s more about your dedication than the bird’s difficulty.
Some birds are more independent, some are more cuddly, and some are just plain goofy. The most important thing is to do your research and prepare to be a good bird owner.
Remember that each bird is an individual, and their personalities can differ even within the same species.
Don’t Forget: 13 Pet Birds That Talk (With Pictures)
The Best Pet Birds for Beginners
Okay, let’s get to the fun part! Here are some bird species that are great for beginners. Remember, every bird is an individual, so do your research and choose the best fit for you:
1. Budgies (Parakeets)

These little guys are super popular, and it’s easy to see why. They’re friendly and gentle and love to bond with their owners.
They’re also small and easy to care for, and they can even learn to talk and do tricks.
They are singing birds who love to chirp, and they can live anywhere from 7-20 years.
More Reading:
- Why is My Budgie Puffed Up and Sleepy?
- What Fruits Can Budgies Eat?
- What Vegetables Can Budgies Eat?
2. Cockatiels

These adorable birds are known for their sweet nature and the crest on their heads that shows how they are feeling.
They’re very emotional and intelligent, and they can learn to whistle and mimic household noises.
They need a lot of social interaction, so it’s best to keep them in pairs or spend a lot of time with them. They can live 15 to 30 years.
More Reading:
- List of What Cockatiels Can Eat
- Cockatiel Molting: All You Need To Know
- Why is My Cockatiel Grinding Its Beak?
3. Doves

Doves are a good choice if you’re looking for a gentle and calm bird. They’re easygoing and don’t demand a lot of attention.
They enjoy their owners’ company, but they are not overly demanding. They do need a large cage because they fly rather than climb. Doves can live for 8 to 15 years.
4. Canaries

These bright, beautiful birds are known for their lovely songs. It’s the males who sing, though.
They are independent, and they don’t like to be handled much, but they are happy to be near you while singing.
They need a large flight cage to be happy and healthy. Canaries can live 5 to 15 years.
5. Green-Cheeked Conures

These playful birds from South America love to hang out with their owners. They are intelligent and a bit mischievous.
They are quieter than other conures, and they might not learn to talk. They can live 30 years or more.
More Reading:
6. Lovebirds

These small, colorful birds are known for the strong bonds they form with their mates or their owners. They are playful and can be feisty.
They may become aggressive if they aren’t tamed when they are young. It’s best to keep them in pairs. Lovebirds can live for 10 to 20 years or more.
More Reading:
- Are Lovebirds Good Pets for Beginners?
- 16 Interesting Facts About Lovebirds
- Why Are Lovebirds Called Lovebirds?
- How do Lovebirds Sleep?
- Why do Lovebirds Fight? Everything You Need to Know
- Why Do Lovebirds Die Suddenly?
7. Pionus Parrots

These birds are affectionate, but they are also independent. They are not as demanding of your time and attention as some other types of parrots, but they do need to have some time outside of their cage every day.
Pionus parrots are relatively quiet, which makes them good for apartment living. They can live for 30 or more years.
8. Senegal Parrots

These birds are not as flashy as some other types of parrots, but they are known for their calm and quiet personalities.
Senegal Parrots are intelligent and can be trained. They are a good choice if you want a quieter bird who is still social.
Talking Birds For Beginners: If You Want a Chatty Companion
Do you dream of a bird who can chat with you? Some birds are better talkers than others. Keep in mind that it takes a lot of time and patience to teach a bird to speak. Also, some birds will never learn to talk, and some are just plain noisy. Here are a few species that are known to talk:
9. Budgies

These little guys can learn words and phrases.
10. African Grey Parrots

These birds are very intelligent and can learn hundreds of words, but they tend to bond with just one person.
11. Double Yellow Head Amazons

These birds love to mimic human voices and sing, but they can also be loud.
12. Indian Ringneck Parakeets

These birds are known to be talkative and can learn many words, but they often speak in a high-pitched voice.
Read More: 10 Best Talking Birds for Beginners
Commitment and Lifespan
Let’s talk about the long haul. Birds are not like goldfish. They aren’t something you get and forget about.
Many birds live for a long time. We’re talking decades.
For example, budgies can live up to 20 years. Cockatiels can live for 15 to 20 years. And bigger birds, like macaws and African greys, can live for 30 to 70 years or even longer.
That’s a serious commitment, so you need to be ready for it. Ask yourself if you can care for a bird for that long, even if your life changes. This includes moving to a new home, changing jobs, and attending school.
What would you do if you could no longer care for the bird? It’s important to have a plan B.
Essential Care Requirements
Okay, so you’re ready to commit to your new friend long-term. Let’s talk about what you’ll need to provide. This isn’t just about food and water. Your bird needs a safe, comfortable, and stimulating environment.
Housing
Your bird needs a cage big enough to move around and spread their wings. Think of it as their home, not just a place to sleep. You will also need lots of perches. This will help your bird exercise their feet and prevent boredom.
Diet
Forget about those seed-only mixes. They’re like junk food for birds. Your bird needs a balanced diet with pellets, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Some birds, like lorikeets and toucans, even have their own special diets.
Enrichment
Birds are smart. They need toys, puzzles, and things to keep their minds active. Also, you have to let your bird out of the cage for exercise and time with you.
Socialization is also very important for them. Some birds like a lot of attention from their owners, while others are more independent. Some birds do best in pairs, while others are fine alone.
Safety
Keep your bird safe from household dangers. Scented candles, air fresheners, non-stick pans, and cleaning products can harm birds. Even smoke is bad for their lungs. You also have to make sure they don’t get too cold or get sick.
Financial Considerations
Getting a bird can cost more than you think. It’s not just the price of the bird itself. You’ll also need a cage, toys, food bowls, and other supplies. You have to keep buying food, including quality pellets and fresh fruits and veggies.
Also, birds need special vet care, and that can be costly. And, like any pet, there will be unexpected expenses. Ensure you’re ready for this commitment before you get a bird.
Understanding Bird Behaviour
Birds can’t talk to you using human words (well, except for the ones that can!). You’ll need to learn their “language,” which includes their body language and sounds.
Do they chirp happily when you come near? Are they puffed up and quiet? Those things matter.
You’ll also need to know what to do when your bird is bored, lonely, or depressed. These things can lead to feather plucking, aggression, and other problems.
Some birds need a very predictable routine, so you must be willing to provide this.
Adoption vs. Buying
Now, where should you get your new feathered friend? You can adopt a bird from a rescue or a shelter. This is a great option because it helps a bird in need.
However, rescue birds may have some issues because they may have had a hard past.
If you buy a bird, be sure to get it from a reputable breeder or pet store. This is where the birds are healthy and well-socialized. You need to avoid birds that are mass-produced and not domesticated.
Safety First: Protecting Your Bird and Yourself
Birds are delicate and can easily get hurt. Make sure that you create a safe home for your bird. Watch out for things that could be toxic to them.
You will also want to know that some birds can bite, especially if improperly handled. The larger the bird, the more serious the bite can be.
Also, you will need to supervise children when they are near your bird.
Conclusion
Getting a bird is a big deal. It’s a long-term commitment, not a quick fling. They need a lot of your time, attention, and resources. It’s not just about finding an “easy” bird, it’s about finding the right bird for you.
Before you make any decisions, please do more research. Talk to other bird owners. You might even volunteer at a rescue or shelter to see what it’s really like.
If you are ready for this commitment, bird ownership can be an amazing experience. You’ll have a loyal and loving friend for many years to come.