What Birds Talk The Most? Top 11 Talking Pet Birds

Ever wondered which feathered chatterboxes take the prize for non-stop conversation? From morning tweets to evening chirps, the birds that talk the most will leave you in awe.

So, who’s the champion of the birdie banter? We’ve got the scoop right here! Here’s the top 11 talking pet birds…

1. African Grey Parrot

The African Grey Parrot (Psittacus erithacus) is widely regarded as the champion of birds talk.

With their exceptional intelligence and ability to mimic human speech, African Greys can learn and understand words in context, engaging in meaningful conversations.

African Grey Parrot
Scientific Name	Psittacus erithacus
Average Lifespan	40-60 years (some may live longer)
Size	Medium to large (12-14 inches)
Weight	400-550 grams
Native Region	Central and West Africa
Common Colors	Gray with a red tail (wild type)
Diet	Fruits, nuts, seeds, vegetables,
	and some protein sources
Personality Traits	Highly intelligent, social,
	known for their cognitive abilities
Vocalization	Excellent mimics, can imitate
	human speech and sounds
Lifespan in Captivity	Up to 80 years
Popular Subspecies	Congo African Grey, Timneh African Grey
Conservation Status	Endangered (CITES Appendix I)

2. Amazon Parrot

Amazon Parrots (Amazona spp.) are renowned for their excellent talking skills. They possess a clear and strong voice and can mimic a wide range of sounds, including human speech.

With proper training and socialization, Amazon Parrots can become skilled conversationalists.

Amazon Parrot
Scientific Name	Amazona spp.
Average Lifespan	50-60 years (some may live longer)
Size	Medium to large (10-20 inches)
Weight	300-900 grams
Native Region	Central and South America
Common Colors	Green (varies depending on species)
Diet	Fruits, nuts, seeds, vegetables
Personality Traits	Intelligent, playful, social
Vocalization	Excellent mimics, can be loud
Lifespan in Captivity	Up to 80 years
Popular Species	Yellow-naped Amazon, Blue-fronted Amazon, Mealy Amazon
Conservation Status	Varies by species (some are endangered)

3. Quaker Parakeet

Also known as Monk Parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus), Quakers are small parrots with a big talent for talking.

hey are highly sociable and can pick up words and phrases quickly. Quaker Parakeets enjoy interacting with their human companions through conversation.

Quaker Parakeet (Monk Parakeet)
Scientific Name	Myiopsitta monachus
Average Lifespan	20-30 years
Size	Small to medium (11-12 inches)
Weight	100-150 grams
Native Region	South America (Argentina, Brazil,
	Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay)
Common Colors	Green with gray on the face and chest
Diet	Seeds, fruits, vegetables
Personality Traits	Intelligent, curious, playful
Vocalization	Can be noisy, known for chattering
Lifespan in Captivity	Up to 30 years
Popular Names	Monk Parakeet, Quaker Parrot,
	Gray-breasted Parakeet
Conservation Status	Least Concern

4. Ring-Necked Parakeet

Ring-Necked Parakeets (Psittacula krameri) are colorful parrots known for their talking abilities.

They have a knack for mimicking sounds and can learn words and phrases with consistent training and stimulation. These engaging and lively birds make delightful companions.

Ring-Necked Parakeet
Scientific Name	Psittacula krameri
Average Lifespan	20-30 years
Size	Medium to large (16-17 inches)
Weight	120-200 grams
Native Region	Africa and South Asia
Common Colors	Green with a distinctive ring around
	the neck (males), green with no ring
	(females)
Diet	Fruits, seeds, nuts, berries, flowers
Personality Traits	Intelligent, social, active
Vocalization	Noisy, known for loud squawking calls
Lifespan in Captivity	Up to 30 years
Popularity	Popular as pets in some regions
Invasive Species	Considered an invasive species in
	certain areas, such as Europe
Conservation Status	Least Concern

5. Eclectus Parrot

Eclectus Parrots (Eclectus roratus) are visually stunning birds with remarkable talking skills.

While they may not possess the same mimicry abilities as some other parrot species, Eclectus Parrots can learn words and phrases and effectively communicate with their human counterparts.

Eclectus Parrot
Scientific Name	Eclectus roratus
Average Lifespan	30-50 years
Size	Medium to large (14-20 inches)
Weight	400-600 grams (males), 375-500 grams
	(females)
Native Region	New Guinea, northeastern Australia,
	Solomon Islands
Common Colors	Sexual dimorphism: Males are vibrant
	green with red underwing coverts,
	females are mostly red with some blue
Diet	Fruits, berries, seeds, flowers,
	and vegetation
Personality Traits	Intelligent, gentle, curious
Vocalization	Vocal and melodious, known for
	their distinctive “caw-caw” call
Lifespan in Captivity	Up to 50 years
Popularity	Highly sought after as pets
Conservation Status	Varies by species (some are
	endangered or vulnerable)

6. Budgerigar

Budgerigars, or Budgies (Melopsittacus undulatus), are small parakeets that have gained popularity as talking pet birds. Despite their small size, Budgies are capable of learning and imitating sounds, including human speech.

These energetic and charismatic birds can form strong bonds with their owners.

Budgerigar
Scientific Name	Melopsittacus undulatus
Average Lifespan	5-10 years (up to 15 years in some
	cases)
Size	Small (7-8 inches)
Weight	30-40 grams
Native Region	Australia
Common Colors	Wild type: Green with yellow head
	and black scalloped markings
	Numerous color mutations available
Diet	Seeds, pellets, fruits, vegetables
Personality Traits	Sociable, energetic, intelligent
Vocalization	Chatty, known for melodious
	chirping and mimicry
Lifespan in Captivity	5-10 years (up to 15 years in some
	cases)
Popularity	One of the most popular pet bird
	species
Conservation Status	Least Concern

7. Macaw

Macaws are known for their striking appearance and impressive vocalizations.

While talking abilities may vary among species, many macaws, such as the Blue and Gold Macaw (Ara ararauna), can develop a significant vocabulary and communicate effectively with their human companions.

Macaw
Scientific Name	Family: Psittacidae,
	Various species within the family
Average Lifespan	Varies by species (approx. 30-50 years)
Size	Large to Extra-large (20-40 inches)
Weight	Varies by species (500 grams to over
	1.5 kilograms)
Native Region	Central and South America,
	some species found in Mexico and
	the Caribbean islands
Common Colors	Vibrant colors including reds, blues,
	yellows, greens, and combinations
Diet	Fruits, nuts, seeds, berries,
	flowers, and occasionally insects
Personality Traits	Intelligent, social, playful,
	often bond closely with their owners
Vocalization	Loud and powerful calls, capable of
	vocalizing a variety of sounds
Lifespan in Captivity	Varies by species (approx. 30-50 years)
Popular Species	Blue and Gold Macaw, Scarlet Macaw,
	Green-winged Macaw, Hyacinth Macaw,
	Military Macaw, and many more
Conservation Status	Varies by species (some are endangered,
	critically endangered, or vulnerable)

8. Cockatoo

Cockatoos are charismatic parrots with excellent talking skills. They are highly intelligent and can mimic a wide array of sounds, including human speech.

Cockatoos, such as the Umbrella Cockatoo (Cacatua alba), are known for their engaging personalities and lively conversations.

Cockatoo
Scientific Name	Family: Cacatuidae,
	Various species within the family
Average Lifespan	Varies by species (approx. 40-70 years)
Size	Medium to Large (12-27 inches)
Weight	Varies by species (400 grams to over
	1.2 kilograms)
Native Region	Australia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea,
	and surrounding islands
Common Colors	Varied colors including white, pink,
	gray, black, and combinations
Diet	Seeds, nuts, fruits, berries, flowers,
	and some insects
Personality Traits	Intelligent, affectionate, social,
	may form strong bonds with owners
Vocalization	Loud and distinct calls, some species
	known for their ability to mimic sounds
Lifespan in Captivity	Varies by species (approx. 40-70 years)
Popular Species	Umbrella Cockatoo, Moluccan Cockatoo,
	Sulphur-crested Cockatoo,
	Rose-breasted Cockatoo, and more
Conservation Status	Varies by species (some are endangered,
	critically endangered, or vulnerable)

9. Derbyan Parakeet

Derbyan Parakeets (Psittacula derbiana) are large parakeets native to the Himalayan region.

They possess a unique vocalization style, including melodic calls and repetitive phrases. With the right environment and training, Derbyan Parakeets can become enthusiastic and engaging 

Derbyan Parakeet
Scientific Name	Psittacula derbiana
Average Lifespan	20-30 years
Size	Medium to large (18-20 inches)
Weight	250-350 grams
Native Region	Eastern Himalayas, parts of Southeast
	Asia (India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar)
Common Colors	Male: Vibrant green with blue crown
	and red patches on wings and tail
	Female: Duller green with minimal red
Diet	Fruits, seeds, nuts, berries, flowers
Personality Traits	Intelligent, playful, energetic
Vocalization	Can be loud, known for screeches and
	whistles
Lifespan in Captivity	Up to 30 years
Popularity	Less common as pets compared to other
	parrot species
Conservation Status	Near Threatened (IUCN Red List)

10. Hill Myna

The Hill Myna (Gracula religiosa) is a striking bird with glossy black feathers and bright yellow eye patches.

These mynas are known for their exceptional mimicry skills, which include replicating human speech with astonishing accuracy. Hill Mynas can be adept at engaging in interactive conversations.

When considering a talking pet bird, it’s important to remember that individual personalities and consistent training play significant roles in their ability to talk. 

Hill Myna
Scientific Name	Gracula religiosa
Average Lifespan	15-20 years
Size	Medium-sized (9-10 inches)
Weight	140-180 grams
Native Region	Southeast Asia (India, Bangladesh,
	Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand)
Common Colors	Glossy black feathers with bright
	yellow or orange beak and eye patches
Diet	Omnivorous: Fruits, insects, small
	vertebrates, nectar
Personality Traits	Intelligent, social, vocal
Vocalization	Excellent mimicry skills, known for
	their ability to mimic human speech
Lifespan in Captivity	15-20 years
Popularity	Popular as pets and as exhibition
	birds for their talking abilities
Conservation Status	Least Concern

What is the most talkative bird?

The African Grey Parrot is often considered the most talkative bird. With their exceptional intelligence and ability to mimic human speech, African Greys can develop an extensive vocabulary and engage in meaningful conversations.

What bird can speak the most words?

The African Grey Parrot holds the reputation for birds talk the most words among birds. Some individuals have been known to learn hundreds, and even up to a thousand, different words and phrases.

What is the easiest bird to teach to talk?

Among the bird species known for their ease of learning to talk, the Budgerigar, or Budgie, is often considered the easiest. These small parakeets have a knack for mimicry and can quickly pick up words and phrases with consistent training.

What birds talk like humans?

Several bird species have the ability to mimic human speech and sound like humans. Examples include African Grey Parrots, Amazon Parrots, Quaker Parakeets, and some species of macaws and cockatoos.

Who is the most intelligent and talkative bird?

The African Grey Parrot is renowned for being both highly intelligent and talkative. Their exceptional cognitive abilities and remarkable mimicry skills make them one of the most intelligent and conversational bird species.

What is the loudest bird to own?

The loudest bird to own is often considered the Moluccan Cockatoo. These large parrots have powerful vocalizations and can produce loud calls and screeches that can carry over long distances.

What animal can talk the most?

While birds, particularly parrots, are known for their ability to talk, humans remain the most proficient and versatile in terms of speech and language capabilities.

What’s the smartest parrot?

The African Grey Parrot is widely regarded as one of the smartest parrot species. Their exceptional problem-solving skills, advanced cognitive abilities, and impressive communication skills contribute to their reputation as highly intelligent birds to talk.

Which bird can learn 150 human words?

The Indian Ringneck Parakeet (also known as the Rose-ringed Parakeet) is a species of parrot that has been reported to learn and use around 150 human words with proper training and socialization.

Do talking birds understand us?

While talking birds can mimic and repeat human words, their understanding of the words and their meaning may vary. Some birds talk, like African Grey Parrots, can demonstrate a limited understanding of certain words and phrases in context, but it’s important to note that their comprehension is not the same as a human’s.

Can birds hear human voices?

Yes, birds can hear human voices. They have well-developed auditory systems that allow them to detect and interpret a wide range of sounds, including human speech. In fact, some bird species, like parrots, are particularly adept at imitating human voices and speech patterns.

What small birds talk the most?

Among small bird species, Budgerigars, or Budgies, are known for their talkative nature. Despite their small size, Budgies have impressive mimicry skills and can learn and repeat words and phrases with proper training and socialization.