8 Top Loudest Parrots Often Kept as Pets

Ringneck Parakeet
Credit: 1699226 / Getty Images

Parrots have the capability to be very loud, and some species are prone to more noise than others. In general, large birds are able to produce louder vocalizations simply because of their size, though there are many chatty small birds, as well. Some of these birds only emit a loud call from time to time while others tend to chirp a lot throughout the day. If you don't mind a rather noisy companion, here are eight of the loudest parrots.

Tip

If your bird is excessively vocalizing (screaming), it might be sick, injured, feeling ignored, or unhappy. Consult a veterinarian if your bird's noise level is unusual.

  • 01 of 08

    Cockatoo

    Umbrella cockatoo holding up foot
    Credit: Arthur Morris/Getty Images

    Cockatoos are generally affectionate birds capable of producing ear-splitting chirps that not everyone can tolerate. In the wild, these vocalizations are necessary for survival, allowing birds to find mates and alert flock members to danger. In captivity, cockatoos often bond strongly with their caretakers and may loudly vocalize for attention.

    Species Overview

    Length: 18 inches 

    Weight: 16 to 26 ounces

    Physical Characteristics: Primarily white plumage; pale yellow on wings and tail; large white crest; black beak (umbrella cockatoo)

  • 02 of 08

    Macaw

    Macaw
    Credit:

    aaa/Getty Images

    In the wild, macaws travel up to 500 miles a day, using loud contact calls to stay in touch with flock mates. This can result in significant noise in captivity, which may become excessive. However, macaws are quite intelligent and can learn tricks and speak, making them fun and playful pets.

    Species Overview

    Length: 30 to 36 inches 

    Weight: 28 to 46 ounces

    Physical Characteristics: Green forehead fading into teal on nape, back, tail, and wings; yellow chest and underside of wings; large black beak (blue-and-gold macaw)

  • 03 of 08

    Eclectus

    Eclectus pair on branch
    Credit: Ang Hwee Yong/Getty Images

    Eclectus parrots are generally easygoing birds that thrive on interacting with their caretakers. They don't constantly make noise but have a distinctive loud honk that can be startling. Some of these birds also have jealous tendencies if they feel ignored and might loudly express their displeasure.

    Species Overview

    Length: 17 to 20 inches

    Weight: 13 to 19 ounces

    Physical Characteristics: Primarily emerald green, red and blue under wings, and orange beak (male); primarily bright red, blue on chest and tail, and black beak (female)

  • 04 of 08

    Amazon Parrot

    Yellow-headed Amazon
    Credit:

    Daniela Duncan/Getty Images

    Renowned for their talking ability, Amazon parrots also produce shrill screams that can be piercing to human ears. However, techniques can help curb their screams. Reward the bird with attention and treats when it sits quietly. Avoid adding to the noise by yelling when the bird screams, as this may encourage the behavior.

    Species Overview

    Length: 15 to 17 inches

    Weight: 16 to 23 ounces

    Physical Characteristics: Green body; yellow head; red at the wing bend; tan beak; white rings around the eyes (double yellow-headed Amazon)

    Continue to 5 of 8 below
  • 05 of 08

    Conure

    Sun conure perching on branch
    Credit:

    Oon Sh/EyeEm/Getty Images

    Although smaller than many loud parrots, conures can be just as loud. These birds can be heard miles away when they scream, which can cause headaches for caretakers and neighbors. Conures also aren't shy about voicing displeasure. Well-socialized conures are often affectionate birds that thrive with mental and physical stimulation.

    Species Overview

    Length: 12 inches

    Weight: 4 to 5 ounces

    Physical Characteristics: Bright orange and yellow with highlights of green and blue; black beak and feet; white circles around eyes (sun conure)

  • 06 of 08

    African Grey

    African grey parrot
    Credit: Guo Ya Hui/EyeEm/Getty Images

    African grey parrots are renowned as some of the best talking birds. Challenges arise with their chatter throughout the day. They aren't known for loud screaming, but they can be very loud when they want to be. As highly intelligent birds, they need plenty of games and social interaction to stay entertained. Otherwise, they might vocalize out of boredom.

    Species Overview

    Length: 9 to 14 inches

    Weight: 11 to 19 ounces

    Physical Characteristics: Mostly gray plumage with pale edging; black beak and bright red tail (Congo African grey); tan upper beak and maroon tail (Timneh African grey)

  • 07 of 08

    Lorikeet

    two rainbow lorikeets
    Credit:

    Bob Charlton/Getty Images

    Lorikeets are generally affectionate birds known for their comical antics. They love interacting with their caretakers and require lots of mental and physical activity to stay happy and healthy. Naturally social, they hang out in large groups in the wild, which gives them loud voices to be heard over their flock. Their high-pitched calls and frequent chirps might be too noisy for many homes.

    Species Overview

    Length: 10 to 12 inches

    Weight: 3 to 6 ounces

    Physical Characteristics: Blue plumage on face and belly; green on wings, back, and head; red breast; yellow and orange highlights on sides; red beak; gray feet (rainbow lorikeet)

  • 08 of 08

    Ringneck Parakeet

    Indian ringneck parakeet
    Credit:

    Leandro Vettorazzi Gabrieli/Getty Images

    Ringneck parakeets are known for being superb talkers, though some might not appreciate the noise of their incessant practice. They can produce fairly shrill calls, but many ringnecks stick to quieter chatter for most of the day. Typically somewhat aloof, many well-socialized ringnecks bond well with their caretakers.

    Species Overview

    Length: 14 to 17 inches

    Weight: 4 ounces

    Physical Characteristics: Green plumage; blue tail; yellow under wings; males have black and rose rings around their necks; mutations include blue, cinnamon, albino, and lutino (Indian ringneck)