Not all bird owners are interested in a loud feathered friend who talks nonstop. Some birds are just noisy, squawking and chirping all the time. If you're searching for a quiet bird as a pet instead, there are plenty of fantastic species to choose between. From the finch to the Senegal parrot, these six quiet pet birds are still incredibly intelligent, charismatic, and make excellent companions, just without the noisy chatter.
The 6 Quietest Pet Birds
It's a common misconception that all talking birds are noisy. While some are, plenty of bird species that can talk are actually fairly quiet, whereas many birds that can't talk may sing or chatter continuously. We've assembled a list of the six quietest pet birds that are perfect for a peaceful household.
1. Cockatiel
Cockatiels are known for their friendly demeanor, but they're also one of the quietest birds you can have as a pet. They can reach up to 13 inches tall, so they're not tiny birds by any means. Still, cockatiels rarely screech, and instead make pleasant cheeps or whistles. These birds are incredibly intelligent and can be taught to talk. Cockatiels are also a great choice for a household with kids due to their affectionate nature.
- Lifespan: 10 to 17 years
- Size: 12 to 13 inches tall
- Social Needs: Needs several hours of daily interaction.
- Temperament: Friendly, affectionate, intelligent, playful.
2. Gouldian Finch
If you're OK with having a quiet pet bird you can't cuddle, the finch might be a perfect choice. These birds make melodic peeps and cheeps without being excessively loud. The Gouldian variety is also incredibly attractive, with a combination of vibrant red, yellow, purple, and blue feathers. Just know finches are incredibly social, so you'll need to get at least a pair or more.
- Lifespan: 5 to 10 years
- Size: 3 to 5 inches tall
- Social Needs: Does not like human handling or interaction, but needs to be housed with other finches.
- Temperament: Active, cheerful, shy, entertaining.
3. Canary
Even though canaries aren't exactly silent birds, they produce quiet songs that most bird owners welcome. The canary is a species of finch, and like finches, they prefer not to be handled. For this reason, they're fairly low-maintenance pets. As a bonus, they like living alone, so a solo canary can thrive on their own.
- Lifespan: 10 to 12 years
- Size: 4 to 6 inches tall
- Social Needs: Does not like human handling and best housed alone without other birds.
- Temperament: Timid, charming, curious, territorial.
4. Dove
A dove might sound like an odd pet choice, but these sweet birds make great companions. Doves are docile, friendly, and make calming cooing noises rather than the chatter most other species emit. Thanks to their soothing nature, these birds are also a great choice as an emotional support pet.
- Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
- Size: 6 to 11 inches tall
- Social Needs: Needs consistent companionship, either human interaction or from a dove cage mate.
- Temperament: Very social, gentle, calm.
5. Pacific Parrotlet
As their name implies, parrotlets are small parrots, and of the many species, the Pacific parrotlet is the quietest. These tiny birds cannot scream like larger parrots, which makes them perfect for quiet households and apartments. Even though they're small, they have large personalities. Frequent handling is important to prevent your parrotlet from becoming fractious.
- Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
- Size: 4 to 5 inches tall
- Social Needs: Needs daily owner interaction or a parrotlet companion.
- Temperament: Spunky, clever, affectionate, inquisitive.
6. Senegal Parrot
If you have your heart set on a parrot but want one who's quiet, you might be interested in the Senegal parrot. This species has been nicknamed the quietest pet parrot. They tend to make gentle whistles or chirps instead of loud, screeching noises. However, Senegal parrots are still parrots, so yours might occasionally scream.
- Lifespan: 25 to 40 years
- Size: 9 inches tall
- Social Needs: Needs frequent attention and interaction.
- Temperament: Loyal, intelligent, calm.
How to Pick a Quiet Pet Bird
A bird's species has a lot to do with whether they are naturally noisy or quiet. However, there are other factors you should consider.
- Gender: Female birds are generally quieter than males of the same species.
- Environment: Birds who live in stressful environments may be more likely to squawk and scream haphazardly.
- Size: There are absolutely exceptions to this rule, but generally, smaller birds make less noise than larger ones due to their smaller lung capacity.
- Cage-mates: Larger flocks of pet birds tend to be louder.
- Socialization: Many birds - especially intelligent species, such as most parrots and parrotlets - need a lot of social interaction, enrichment, and play. If they get bored, they can act out.
Not All "Quiet" Birds Are Really Quiet
We have to warn you: not all "quiet" bird species are truly noise-free. Each bird is an individual, and some birds of any given type might be chattier than others. The best way to keep your pet bird from making unnecessary noise is to provide them with adequate enrichment activities and use positive reinforcement training. By developing a strong bond with your bird, you can both live a peaceful and happy life.
