The 8 Most Popular Pet Birds—And Why People Love Them Discover which bird might be your next feathered friend. By Alyson Kalhagen Alyson Kalhagen Alyson Kalhagen is an avian expert and writer with more than 10 years of combined professional experience as a veterinary technician and manager of a chain of successful pet stores. Her specialty is in avian behavior and socialization. Alyson owns several birds and has been featured in Bird Talk Magazine. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process Updated on 08/14/25 Credit: Foto4440 / Getty Images If you're thinking of adopting a pet bird for companionship, there are many popular species to choose from, each with unique socialization and training needs. These birds require mutual companionship, as species that are good company for humans often need the same social bonding in return. Here we explore eight bird species that make the most popular companions for their "human flocks" and their specific social needs. Tip Utilize local bird rescues during the species selection process; these adoption and education organizations are highly skilled at matching a bird to an individual or a family. When blindly purchasing a bird without knowing anything about the traits and needs of a particular species, detrimental mismatches are common. How Bird Adoption Works 01 of 08 Parakeet/Budgie Credit: Paul Bricknell / Getty Images The common parakeet, or budgerigar, is an excellent pet for children and beginners. They're smart and playful and require less space and care than larger bird species. Despite their small size, budgies need the same level of attention and care as bigger birds. Highly intelligent, they often enjoy whistling and singing, with many learning words and phrases. These hardy little birds are available in a variety of colors and have an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years, thriving on convenient, pre-prepared parakeet foods. Species Overview Length: 7 inchesWeight: 1 ouncePhysical Characteristics: Light green body with black wing markings and yellow head; captive-bred colors of blue, gray, green, white, violet, yellow/blue 02 of 08 Cockatiel Credit: Leonid Shkurikhin / Getty Images Cockatiels, medium-sized members of the parrot family from Australia, are delightful pets. They are admired for their advanced whistling and singing skills. While capable of learning to talk, many cockatiels enjoy whistling and mimicking sounds like a ringing telephone. They come in a variety of color combinations and typically live for 15 to 20 years. Species Overview Length: 11 to 12 inchesWeight: 2.5 to 3.5 ouncePhysical Characteristics: Light gray body with long, dark gray tail, yellow and gray crest, yellow face; orange ear patch and white on the wing; dark gray bill 03 of 08 Finch Gouldian Finches Appear To Be made Of Stained Glass. Credit: Auscape / Getty Images Finches and canaries, a species of finch, are popular companion birds. Most varieties measure five inches or less, requiring less space than nearly any other pet bird species. Unlike hard-beaked hookbill parrots, finches and canaries are softbills or waxbills, with somewhat pliable, waxy beaks. They thrive in small flocks and typically pay little attention to humans, making them perfect for those who love to observe birds but want a pet requiring less interaction. A well-cared-for finch or canary can live up to 10 years. Species Overview Length: 5 to 6 inchesWeight: 1/2 ouncePhysical Characteristics: Bright yellow, whitish, or reddish body 04 of 08 Lovebird Lovebirds. Credit: Steve Littlewood / Getty Images Lovebirds are among the smallest parrot species. Despite their size, they shouldn't be overlooked for more demanding, larger parrots, as lovebirds have the intelligence and personality of much larger species like macaws. Quiet companions, they are ideal for apartment or condominium living. Lovebirds can live up to 20 years. Species Overview Length: 5 to 6 inchesWeight: 2 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Mostly green, orange upper body and head, blue lower back and rump, red beak, white eyerings Continue to 5 of 8 below 05 of 08 Monk Parakeet The monk parakeet, also known as the quaker is a small parrot recognized for its ability to learn a large vocabulary of words and phrases. The more you speak around their cage, the more they will pick up and mimic. These birds typically live for 20 to 30 years. Species Overview Length: 11 inchesWeight: 4 to 5 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Bright green, white or blue body; gray breast, cheeks, and throat resembles colonial-era Quaker clothing; orange beaks 06 of 08 Dove Doves are known for their sweet and gentle dispositions. Unlike hookbill parrots, softbills doves rarely try to bite or do damage with their beaks. Still, it always helps to use calm and positive socialization and bonding techniques with doves. They can be a good choice for older children who understand how to be calm and gentle with companion animals. Doves need companionship too; if kept alone indoors, they should have ample free flight time outside the cage for interaction with their human caretakers. Mirrors and swings inside a dove's enclosure are recommended. Species Overview Length: 11 to 13 inchesWeight: 5 to 8 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Pure white, gray, white with gray, tangerine, pied, and orange; black eyes, black bill, dark purple feet 07 of 08 Parrotlet Native to the tropical forests of Ecuador and Peru, parrotlets are genetically related to the much larger Amazon parrot. Despite their size, they exhibit the same temperament and intelligence as their larger cousins. Being relatively new to captivity, they often retain a wild streak. Without early proper handling, parrotlets can become competitive. They're often aggressive with other birds, leading to territorial fights during feeding; thus, it's best to keep them individually. Their fearless nature can also cause issues in homes with dogs and cats. Despite their tiny size, parrotlets have a lifespan of up to 30 years. Species Overview Length: 4 to 5 inchesWeight: 1 ouncePhysical Characteristics: Mostly green; splashes of bright blue on their backs and behind the eyes (males); zygodactyl feet: two toes forward-pointing, two toes rear-pointing 08 of 08 African Gray Parrot African Greys Are Very Popular. Credit: Milou Weerts / Getty Images African Grays are considered among the most intelligent bird species, with some having extensive vocabularies. Due to their intelligence, they can be demanding pets that get bored and depressed quickly without at least five hours of daily stimulation. However, if you're seeking a highly intelligent and affectionate companion, the African Gray could be ideal. They are highly trainable using techniques like positive reinforcement and operant conditioning. Species Overview Length: 13 inchesWeight: 15 to 18 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Varying shades of gray on the body; red tail feathers Explore more: Parrots & Pet Birds Pet Bird Species