Top 12 Best Small Birds That Make Great Pets (With Videos)

Published by Joseph Calabrese on

When choosing a pet bird, most people, especially beginners with little to no experience in bird care, will decide on a smaller-sized bird.

This is because they are much more manageable for most people.

Smaller birds take up less space, cost less to maintain, and their beaks aren’t as intimidating as larger parrots, such as macaws.

However, despite having smaller beaks, they can still pack quite a punch.

best small birds for pets
(Image Credit: Pixabay)

Although smaller birds are more manageable, they’re still high-maintenance pets and you should know exactly what you’re getting into before bringing one into your home.

That linked article will go through 20 things you need to know before adopting a bird.

If you’re planning to adopt a pet bird, you should definitely read that first!

That being said, here are the top 12 small birds that make great pets.

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1) Budgie

(Video Credit: Budgie Breeder1)

You probably knew that budgies would be on this list, so I put them at the top.

Budgies are one of, if not the most popular small birds people adopt as pets.

Their personalities can vary greatly as some budgies are extremely energetic and outgoing while others can be calm and passive.

However, a typical budgie will be incredibly active, fast, and affectionate toward flock members.

These guys are best kept in pairs or in small groups as wild budgies are extremely social and live in large flocks.

A few humans will likely not be able to give budgies the attention and companionship they desire.

Budgies are pretty easy to train once tamed and are relatively quiet compared to other small birds on this list.

Being able to talk is another trait this small bird possesses.

A budgie actually holds the record for the bird with the largest vocabulary, being able to clearly speak 1,728 words.

Facts About Budgies:

Average Lifespan: 5 – 10 years

Average Height: 6 – 7 Inches (15 – 18cm)

Average Wingspan Length: 11.5 Inches (29cm)

Native To: Australian Outback

2) Cockatiels

(Arthur, my cockatiel)

If budgies are the most popular small pet bird, cockatiels are a close second.

Cockatiels in general are very calm birds, especially compared to the energetic budgies.

Instead of being hyperactive most of the day, cockatiels often choose to chill out with their humans, preening on their shoulders or on a nearby chair.

Although they have a calmer personality, they’re still pretty active during the day.

Their high intelligence makes them great small companions to humans, they’re also good at learning new tricks.

Since they’re naturally flock birds, cockatiels do much better in pairs or in small groups.

However, they can still live happily alone with human companions as long as they get plenty of attention.

Facts About Cockatiels:

Average Lifespan: Around 20 Years

Average Height: 12 – 13 Inches (30 – 33cm)

Average Wingspan Length: 19.5 Inches (50cm)

Native To: Australian Outback

3) Conures (GCC, Sun Conures)

(Video Credit: TM06)

There are about 40 different species of conure, but I’ll mainly be focusing on green cheeks and sun conures as they seem to be the most popular pets.

Conures are rather bold birds.

Most conures are brave, curious, and willing to explore everything they come into contact with.

As with most small pet birds, conures can be a bit bitey when they want to be.

However, they can also be very playful, affectionate, and loving toward their human caretakers.

Despite their small size, conures can scream very loud, especially sun conures.

If you plan to bring a conure into your house, be aware that they have one of the loudest screams of all small birds, even competing with some of the larger birds.

Due to their loud screaming, they aren’t suited for apartments as you would be getting lots of complaints from the neighbours.

Facts About Conures:

Average Lifespan: Around 20 -30 Years

Average Height: Varies from 10 – 20 Inches (25 – 50cm) Depending on the species

Average Wingspan Length: Ranges from 14.5 – 27 Inches (37 – 69cm) Depending on the species

Native To: South America

4) Parrotlet “Pocket Parrot”

(Video Credit: SongBirds TV)

Parrotlets are the smallest parrots worldwide and due to their size, they’ve been given the name “pocket parrots”.

Out of the many species of parrotlet, these two are the most common pets:

  • Pacific parrotlet
  • And the green-rumped parrotlet

Although they’re very similar in appearance, both species have slightly different personalities.

According to lafeber, pacific parrotlets are very energetic and can become more aggressive in certain situations, while the green-rumped parrotlet has a calmer, more gentle personality.

All species of parrotlet like to be assertive and dominant, even to larger birds.

Even though they have assertive personalities, they can still be loving and affectionate toward beloved flock members.

Being flock birds, parrotlets are much happier in groups, but can also be kept alone with an owner that’s willing to give them almost constant attention.

Are you able to give a bird constant attention throughout the entire day?

Facts About Parrotlets:

Average Lifespan: 15 – 20 Years

Average Height: Around 3 – 5 Inches (8 – 12cm)

Average Wingspan Length: 10 Inches

Native To: Mexico, Central and South America

5) Dove/Pigeon

(Video Credit: Hong Pigeon)

Pigeons are the most domesticated small birds on this list and are arguably best suited for the pet lifestyle.

Out of all the other small birds on this list, pigeons are definitely the quietest birds to keep as pets.

Instead of screaming loudly as most parrots do, pigeons make much quieter “cooing” sounds that many owners find relaxing.

Doves are not big attention seekers and are happy to just relax nearby, especially in pairs.

Although they can form strong bonds with humans, pigeons often prefer to hang out and socialise with their own kind.

You’re more likely to bond with a single pigeon than with a pair.

Pigeons are great small pet birds for those who can’t handle a parrots noise or need for constant attention.

Facts About Pigeons/Doves:

Average Lifespan: Around 10 Years

Average Height: 11 – 14 Inches (28 – 36cm)

Average Wingspan Length: 20 – 26 Inches (50 – 66cm)

Native To: North Africa, Europe

6) Lovebird

(Video Credit: wishuponalovebird89)

As the name suggests, lovebirds are very affectionate birds who can form bonds with humans and birds, even of different species.

However, like most birds, they’re more affectionate toward their mate.

In fact, some lovebirds may not be highly sociable toward humans as they’re too busy loving their partner.

Lovebirds are quieter than most other parrots, but they can still be pretty loud when they want.

There are two common types of small lovebirds people adopt as pets:

  • Peach-Faced Lovebird
  • Fischer’s Lovebird

Fischer’s lovebirds can be differentiated by a white eye ring that peach-faced lovebirds do not have.

Lovebirds are high-energy and high-maintenance birds, especially when adopting just one.

A single lovebird will need almost constant attention from humans due to their high emotional and social intelligence.

Facts About Lovebirds:

Average Lifespan: 15 – 20 Years

Average Height: 5 – 6 Inches (13 – 15cm)

Average Wingspan Length: 11.5 – 12 Inches (29 – 30cm) Depending on species

Native To: African continent (most species)

7) Finch (Zebra Finch, Canary)

(Video Credit: Budgie Breeder1)

Finches are one of the smallest bird species you can keep as pets.

Although they are entertaining to watch, finches often don’t interact with humans as they prefer the company of their own kind.

They’re the type of bird you keep in a large aviary while only interacting with them to maintain their food, water, and habitat.

There are hundreds of different finch species that include:

  • Zebra finches
  • Society finches
  • Owl finches
  • Gouldian finches
  • And canaries

Due to their social nature, finches cannot be kept alone.

They thrive off of the constant social interactions they have with various flock members and therefore should be kept in pairs at the very least.

Finches will spend the majority of their day singing, eating, flying, and interacting with flock members inside the cage.

These are great small birds for those unable to provide constant attention to their pets.

Facts About Finches:

Average Lifespan: 5 – 10 Years

Average Height: 5 – 6 Inches (12.5 – 15cm)

Average Wingspan Length: 8 – 10 Inches (20 – 25cm)

Native To: Most species originate from Australia

8) Kakariki Parrot (New Zealand Parakeet)

(Video Credit: Cheeky Kakariki)

Kakariki parrots are very energetic birds who never know when to sit still.

The name “kakariki” comes from the Maori language and translates to “small parrot”.

These small, agile parrots can make great pets for those who can keep up with their hyperactivity.

They’re able to form strong bonds with humans and can even learn to speak a few words.

Some owners have stated that kakariki parrots aren’t all for cuddling or scratches and would much rather just fly around, land for a quick chat, and fly away again.

Males and females can be differentiated by the fact that males have slightly larger beaks than females.

Facts About Kakariki Parrots:

Average Lifespan: 15 – 20 Years

Average Height: 9 – 11 Inches (25 – 28cm)

Average Wingspan Length: Around 5 Inches (13cm)

Native To: New Zealand

9) Senegal Parrot

(Video Credit: Galsoon)

Senegal parrots are pretty unpopular pet birds when compared to other small birds, such as the cockatiel.

However, they are just as fun and playful!

In fact, those who are looking for a quieter bird that still has an energetic personality should adopt a Senegal parrot.

Of course, no parrot is completely quiet, but Senegals prefer to whistle and make clicking sounds as opposed to the screeching sound most parrots like to make.

Senegal parrots are fairly easy to train and are very friendly toward humans.

Facts About Senegal Parrots:

Average Lifespan: Can live up to 50 years

Average Height: Around 9 Inches (23cm)

Average Wingspan Length: 19 Inches (48cm)

Native To: Western Africa

10) Quaker Parrot (Monk Parakeet)

(Video Credit: Lisa Schmidt)

Quaker parrots are needy little birds, demanding as much attention from their owners as the larger parrots.

These guys enjoy receiving lots of affection from humans and birds they’ve formed a bond with.

They definitely love a good head scratch.

As well as being highly affectionate, quaker parrots are very playful, confident, curious, and have lots of energy.

But the more energy a pet bird has, the harder it is for us humans to keep up with them.

These small birds can even learn to talk a few words or phrases that they hear.

Quaker parrots also have a very interesting wild behaviour…

Unlike most parrots who nest in pairs in a discovered tree hollow, monk parrots will construct colony nests that can house more than one mating couple.

This makes them the only parrots to actually create nests instead of finding them.

Facts About Quaker Parrots:

Average Lifespan: 20 – 30 Years

Average Height: 11 – 12 Inches (28 – 30cm)

Average Wingspan Length: 17.5 Inches (44cm)

Native To: South America

11) Caique

(Video Credit: Pet Birds)

Often referred to as the “clowns of the bird world”, caiques are super high energy/high-maintenance pet birds.

Due to their high energy, caiques need to be almost constantly stimulated with new activities or toys to keep them happy.

If they aren’t happy, these small birds have a very loud scream that will let you know.

Although they can get loud, they mostly prefer to stay at a moderate room volume.

Besides their vocalisation, caiques are also very affectionate to humans that give them tons of attention.

They also like to show off by hopping, swinging, and jumping around.

Caiques can be kept in pairs but can do fine on their own with a very dedicated owner.

As fun as these small birds can be, they’re not the best pet for those looking for a calmer and quieter bird.

Facts About Caiques:

Average Lifespan: 25 – 40 Years

Average Height: 9 – 10 Inches (23 – 25cm)

Average Wingspan Length: 14 Inches (36cm)

Native To: South America

12) Pionus Parrot

(Video Credit: Sk75bird)

There are 3 species of Pionus parrots that people commonly adopt as pets:

  • Blue-headed Pionus (the one in the video)
  • Bronze-winged parrot
  • White-capped Pionus

There are other species, but these are the most commonly kept as pets.

All species of Pionus parrots are similar in care requirements but can greatly vary in size and personality.

For example, a white-capped Pionus can be a bit feisty at times while most other types of Pionus parrots have a gentle and calm personality.

However, all pionus parrots are very loving and affectionate to dedicated owners.

They’re also pretty susceptible to being one-person birds, meaning they’ll refuse attention and care from everyone except one person who they’ve closely bonded to.

To prevent this behaviour, the Pionus parrot should be interacted with equally by all household members.

Naturally curious, Pionus parrots need to be carefully watched, especially when outside the cage.

When cared for properly, pionus parrots can be calm, easy-going pet birds who love interacting with their humans.

Facts About Pionus Parrots:

Average Lifespan: 25 – 40 Years

Average Height: 9 – 12 Inches (23 – 30cm) Depending on the species

Average Wingspan Length: 20.5 – 23 Inches (52 – 58cm) Depending on the species

Native To: Central America, South America, Mexico (Depends on the species)

Read This Before Adopting ANY Small Bird As A Pet

Don’t allow anybody to fool you into thinking smaller birds means less responsibility. Some, if not most small birds are almost as much work as the larger parrots. They can certainly make the same amount of mess and often demand the same level of attention from their human carers.

When people say birds are low maintenance, they are only comparing them to other birds.

Every single bird is a high-maintenance pet, even small ones.

small pet bird
(Image Credit: Pixabay)

You’re not just adopting a pet, you’re adopting a new lifestyle for yourself that comes with a lot of responsibility, sacrifice, and restrictions.

Yes, I said restrictions.

There are just so many things you cannot do inside the house when living with birds.

Just a few examples include:

  • No cooking with non-stick cookware
  • No more wearing perfume or deodorant
  • No smoking cigarettes or weed inside the house (if you’re a smoker)

There are many other household dangers you need to be aware of before adopting a bird.

Although it’s difficult and can even be stressful at times, looking after and bonding with a small bird is one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had.

Knowing that you’re giving this small but highly intelligent animal a good life is very fulfilling.

But before adopting your bird, you need to do extensive research on the bird you’re planning to get.

Each species of bird is very different.

Thank you for reading.

Sources

Categories: General Care

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