Top 10 Bird Breeds for Pets Countdown
Which Bird Will Be #1?

By Richard Worden


The joy of owning a pet cannot be understated, and birds, with their vibrant colors, melodious voices, and engaging behaviors, make exceptional companion animals. Depending on the bird breed, they offer a myriad of opportunities to develop bonds that can last for many years.

We invite you to explore our Top 10 bird breeds for pets countdown below. By understanding the unique characteristics, lifespans, and costs associated with each bird breed shown here, prospective pet owners will be well-positioned to bring home the perfect feathery friend for them.

Here's Our Top 10 Bird Breeds For Pets Countdown

#10 Parrotlets


parrolet

Tiny but packed with character, parrotlets are often described as "big personality in a small package." They are sociable, engaging, and incredibly intelligent.

Life Expectancy? Up to 20 years.

Likes To Be Held? Yes, and they do like cuddles!

Is This Bird Noisy? Can be quite vocal but aren’t overly loud.

Kid Friendly? With guidance, they can be kid-friendly.

Other Pet Friendly? Not typically, they prefer humans.

Cost To Purchase? Depending on the breed…$100 to $350.

Yearly Cost To Maintain? Estimated at $300, includes food and vet care.

#9 Pionus Parrots


pionus parrot

Known for their quiet nature and endearing personalities, Pionus parrots can be fantastic pets for those wanting a more relaxed bird.

Life Expectancy? About 25 years average.

Likes To Be Held? Yes! but are not overly demanding.

Is This Bird Noisy? They are relatively quiet for a parrot.

Kid Friendly? Yes, but supervision is required.

Other Pet Friendly? It varies; they are best as solo pets.

Cost To Purchase? They range from $900 to $1500.

Yearly Cost To Maintain? About $400, including nutrition and care.

#8 Cockatoos


cockatoo

Famed for their captivating charm and striking crests, Cockatoos are high-energy, intelligent birds that thrive on attention and can form deep bonds with their human companions.

Life Expectancy? Up to 60 years or more.

Likes To Be Held? They love interaction and being handled.

Is This Bird Noisy? Yes, they’re known for being quite loud.

Kid Friendly? Due to their demanding nature, they’re best for older kids.

Other Pet Friendly? They are generally okay with other pets.

Cost To Purchase? They range from $1000 to $3000.

Yearly Cost To Maintain? Around $700, including diet and vet care.

#7 Conures


conure

Vibrant and full of life, Conures are affectionate birds known for their playful antics and sociable behavior.

Life Expectancy? 15-20 years average.

Likes To Be Held? They love to being handled and owner attention.

Is This Bird Noisy? Can be quite loud, especially when seeking attention.

Kid Friendly? They can be a bit nippy, so older kids are recommended.

Other Pet Friendly? They do well with other birds of similar size.

Cost To Purchase? Between $300 to $700.

Yearly Cost To Maintain? About $500, includes food and health checks.

#6 Finches


finch

Known for their chirpy songs and vibrant colors, finches are popular for those wanting an easy-going, low-maintenance avian companion who prefers company of their own kind over human interaction.

Life Expectancy? Can live up to 7-10 years.

Likes To Be Held? Finches would often rather not be held.

Is This Bird Noisy? They have melodious, soothing songs rather than noisy squawks.

Kid Friendly? Yes, but don't tolerate handling like parrots.

Other Pet Friendly? Yes, especially with their own species.

Cost To Purchase? From $20 to $100.

Yearly Cost To Maintain? Around $200, considering food and health care.

#5 Canaries


canary

Famed for their ability to sing, canaries are colorful, entertaining, and relatively easy to care for, making them an excellent choice for beginner bird owners.

Life Expectancy? Around 10-15 years

Likes To Be Held? They typically prefer not to be held.

Is This Bird Noisy? Males are known for their beautiful, melodious songs.

Kid Friendly? Are suitable for kids but favor solitary life.

Other Pet Friendly? Can be, but are comfortable alone.

Cost To Purchase? Range between $50 to $150.

Yearly Cost To Maintain? About $200 includes food and health maintenance.

#4 African Grey Parrot


african gray parrot

An epitome of intelligence and charm, African Grey Parrots are renowned for their exceptional talking and cognitive abilities.

Life Expectancy? Beyond 50 years with proper care.

Likes To Be Held? They are sociable but prefer mental stimulation over cuddling.

Is This Bird Noisy? They can mimic any sound, and thus can be noisy.

Kid Friendly? Due to their demeanor, they're best suited for adults or older kids.

Other Pet Friendly? Generally, they are okay with other birds.

Cost To Purchase? Between $2000 to $4000.

Yearly Cost To Maintain? Around $700, including nutrition and health checks.

#3 Lovebirds


lovebird

As their name implies, Lovebirds are affectionate, social, and thrive off companionship, making them popular among bird keepers.

Life Expectancy? Between 10-15 years, sometimes longer.

Likes To Be Held? They require daily interaction and do enjoy being held.

Is This Bird Noisy? Can be quite vocal, but usually not excessively loud.

Kid Friendly? Yes, but children should be taught how to handle them carefully.

Other Pet Friendly? Lovebirds prefer the company of their own kind.

Cost To Purchase? From $50 to $200.

Yearly Cost To Maintain? About $300 for their food and care.

#2 Cockatiels


cockatiel

Cockatiels are playful, social, and known to be one of the best bird breeds for beginners due to their friendly and adaptable nature.

Life Expectancy? Up to 15-25 years with proper care.

Likes To Be Held? Yes, they love attention and cuddles.

Is This Bird Noisy? They can whistle and squawk but are usually not too loud.

Kid Friendly? Very much, as they are known to be patient and gentle.

Other Pet Friendly? They generally do well with other birds.

Cost To Purchase? From $75 to $250.

Yearly Cost To Maintain? About $300, considering diet, toys and health checks.

#1 Parakeets


parakeet

Also known as Budgies, Parakeets top the list of popular pet birds with their engaging personalities, vibrant colors, and exceptional talking abilities.

Life Expectancy? 10-15 years with good care.

Likes To Be Held? Absolutely, as they crave interaction and activity.

Is This Bird Noisy? Quite so, they entertain with a stream of chatter and song.

Kid Friendly? Highly, due to their gentle and friendly nature.

Other Pet Friendly? Generally, very social with both humans and other birds.

Cost To Purchase? They’re affordable, ranging from $10 to $50.

Yearly Cost To Maintain? Roughly $200 including food, toys, and preventive care.

Having covered the top 10 bird breeds for pets we hope you have a clearer picture of what these wonderful, feathered creatures can add to your life.

Whether you're a beginner bird enthusiast searching for the best bird breed for beginners, or an experienced bird lover looking for your next avian friend, we hope this guide has helped you. Remember, the best bird breed to keep as a pet is often the one that resonates with your lifestyle and heart. May you find your perfect feathered friend!

If You Love Birds, You'll Love These Articles Too

  1. We Know Birds HOME
  2. Bird Facts and Information
  3. Top 10 Bird Breeds For Pets