Talking birds can be loving and entertaining companions for pet owners willing to provide these delightful creatures with the love and attention they need to thrive. Today our Rock Springs vets discuss some of their favorite talking bird species.
Which birds can talk?
If you are looking for a pet who will greet you with a warm 'hello darling' as you walk through the door, a talking bird may be just the pet you're looking for. That said, not all talking birds have the same capacity for speech and some may be a little too loud for your liking, so it's important to do your research before purchasing a talking bird.
That said, birds don't just learn to speak all by themselves. Teaching a bird to talk will take patience and persistence as well as lots of love, care and time together. And it's important to note that some birds will never learn to speak.
Which birds are the best talkers?
Birds lack vocal cords, unlike humans. Your bird's voice is produced in the same way that songbirds sing. Consider your bird's voice to be their song for you.
When deciding which bird species is best for you, keep in mind that bird voices can range from beautiful and soothing to loud and shrieking! If you live in an apartment with thin walls, you should pay close attention to how the species you're considering sounds.
Are parrots the only birds that talk?
While parrots are probably best known for their ability to mimic the human voice, not all parrots will be able to learn talk, and not all talking birds are parrots.
Mynah birds, crows, ravens, and starlings all have the ability to mimic the human voice to varying degrees and you can find loads of examples on YouTube that will keep you smiling.
What are the best talking birds?
The most common and colorful of the talking birds are parrots. If you're willing to invest in training and keeping them healthy and happy, these intelligent and charming creatures will provide years of companionship and chatter.
If you are thinking about getting a parrot, keep in mind that these birds can live for a very long time! Depending on the species, some parrots can live for 50 years or more!
That being said, if you do your research and find the right species for your lifestyle, you'll have a devoted companion who will constantly charm, amuse, and entertain you. Each breed will have its own quirks and personalities, so here are a few examples to get you started.
African Grey
Many consider the African grey parrot to be the smartest of the talking birds, with a vocabulary of hundreds of words. These birds are well-known for their ability to understand and imitate human speech.
The ability of the African Grey to expand their vocabulary is dependent on their relationship with their owner, as they tend to attach to only one person. They can learn from the various voices and sounds that surround them on a daily basis, and they're even intelligent enough to make different sounds to ward off predators. Lots of love and treats will help them improve their communication skills quickly.
Double Yellow Head Amazon
This medium-sized, brightly colored parrot, which measures 14 to 16 inches in length, is one of the most popular pet species in the Amazon parrot group. They are intelligent and will soak up your attention as an affectionate pet, so be aware that this beauty will require a lot of love and attention.
It has an incredible ability to mimic human voices (including opera singing) and a passion for music. You two will create some lovely music together. A word of caution about this bird: it is a boisterous, noisy bird that will frequently scream twice a day, at dawn and dusk. Though these are common, they can be startling and last longer if the bird is bored due to a lack of mental stimulation or attention.
Budgerigar
This bird, also known as the budgie or parakeet, makes an excellent pet and is capable of learning a variety of songs and phrases. Don't let its small size fool you; budgies have broken world records for the largest bird vocabulary, though not all birds in the species have the same potential, and vocabulary varies between individuals.
They are intelligent, social birds who enjoy interacting with their caregivers. They tend to mimic words that their owners frequently use. Females and males can both mimic human speech, though male birds appear to be better at speaking words in the correct tone.
Eclectus Parrot
Some parrots will even learn an entire song and serenade you with it. They are known for their ability to mimic human speech and repeat words that they hear around them in high quality. Males and females both have endearing voices and characteristics.
These birds are typically gentle and friendly, enjoy socialization with caregivers, and are not overly boisterous or noisy.
Indian Ringneck Parakeet
Indian Ringneck Parakeets are notorious talkers and clever birds with a talent for learning longer phrases in addition to shorter words. They are more likely to speak in their own high-pitched "bird voice" than mimic human voices. Many people can memorize dozens or hundreds of words.
Indian Ringneck Parakeets can be charming pets who enjoy learning new tricks (think waving hello with a foot) if properly socialized and handled on a daily basis by their caregivers.
How much does a talking bird cost?
Keep in mind that keeping birds healthy and happy requires a significant commitment and investment.
It is also critical to conduct extensive research on the location from which you intend to purchase the bird. Many bird species, such as the Double Yellow Head Amazon, are threatened in their natural habitat, and some are smuggled across the border in deplorable conditions. Because you will have your bird for many years, taking the time to investigate where the bird you are considering came from is an excellent first step toward becoming a responsible bird owner.
Why should you consider adopting a talking bird?
Non-profit rehoming organizations care for a variety of talking birds due to their lifespan and the amount of care, space, and attention they require. Many of the birds up for adoption have not been abused, but have been well loved and cared for. Many of these birds have outlived their original owners and require a new home, though many have been surrendered due to family circumstances.
Reputable bird rehoming organizations will also assist you in finding the best bird for your lifestyle and skill level. Their volunteers and experts get to know the birds and can provide you with insights into the personalities of the individual birds.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.