There are many birds that like to mimic sounds, and even talk. Some are more chatty than others or have a bigger vocabulary, however.
You will also need plenty of patience, and heaps of interaction, to teach your bird to speak.
All pet birds need lots of attention and exercise in order to live a happy life! Happy birds are also much more inclined to whistle, sing, and talk.
Take a look at the 7 best pet birds to learn to talk, below!
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Table of Contents
1.African Gray Parrot
The African Gray Parrot is, in a word, extraordinary! Not only can these magnificent birds talk, but they appear to comprehend some of what they say, as well.
African Grays are very intelligent, and, true to their name, come in a beautiful dusty gray color. They also have vibrant, gorgeous orange under their tail.
African Gray parrots have been domesticated since biblical times, and have long been popular for both their appearance, their no-nonsense attitude, and of course, their ability to talk!
African Gray Parrots can learn not just words, but whole sentences. They also seem to be emotionally in-tune, and more self-aware than most birds by far.
However, they will need the right kind of owner. African Grays tend to be quite sensitive, as well as creatures of habit, etc. They do not like to cuddle as much as play, do puzzles, and talk.
2.Cockatoo
Have you ever seen a Cockatoo? These flamboyant birds have bright white or dark plumage, with a striking crest of feathers on their head that they can raise or lower.
Cockatoos can also talk. However, compared to African Gray Parrots or Parakeets, they are slower to start to speak. You will need to begin with simple words, like “bird,” “food,” or “hi.” Make sure they are focused on you when you talk, and enunciate your words really well.
Cockatoos bond deeply to their people. They can be quite fond of hugs and may like to be near you or on your shoulder.
Cockatoos need heaps of attention, and plenty of activity, every day. You will need to be able to spend lots of time together. Luckily, this means that you will have many opportunities to teach them to talk.
3.Parakeet
Did you know that parakeets can be taught to talk? These little guys learn best with the aid of treats, and verbal and physical cues, as well. For example, ask, ‘treat?’ before giving your parakeet a treat, and see if they can learn to say it, too! This can be a great motivator.
While some birds, like the African Gray, seem to comprehend some of what they are saying, parakeets tend to mimic randomly, above all. They’re still pretty amazing, however. How many animals can say ‘hello’ or ‘pretty bird?’
Parakeets have quick minds and sweet personalities, and they tend to be energetic and playful. They should have frequent attention, and time out of their cage every day (in a safe home environment).
Parakeets are much smaller than parrots (less than half their size!), and they come in an array of colors: blue, green, white, pink, yellow, or even a pretty mix.
4.Amazon Parrot
Amazon parrots are stunning green birds, accented with colors like orange and yellow. They can also learn to sing, whistle, and talk. When they are happy, they are more likely to make sounds and speak.
Amazon Parrots are extremely intelligent and can be very entertaining and playful.
As with any birds, it’s good to start Amazon Parrots out with basic words like ‘hello’ and ‘bye-bye!’
5.Indian Ring-Neck Parakeet
Like the other birds on this list, Indian Ringnecks naturally mimic the sounds that they hear. In fact, Indian Ringnecks were said to repeat prayers overheard in the gardens of India.
This special talent is what originally made the Indian Ringneck sought-after. The birds also have a lovely appearance, coming in soft shades of blue and green, and with a distinctive, dark ring around their neck.
Teaching an Indian Ringneck to talk is simple. Ask how they are, and tell them ‘It’s dinner time!’ Like small children, Indian Ringnecks will first learn words before they begin to speak.
Along with this, Indian Ringnecks have lots of energy and will need a generous amount of attention, toys, etc. You will also want to hand-feed them from when they are young, or they may nip a finger!
6.Raven
The Raven is a simply brilliant animal. These birds can not only mimic human speech but have been known to repeat the calls of wolves and foxes, for assistance opening a discovered kill.
Ravens also mimic toilets flushing, cars, bells… whatever tickles their fancy. They can talk as well as some parrots (or better).
Ravens remember the faces of their friends and those who have wronged them. They bring gifts to those they love.
Ravens are curious, mischievous, and even playful. While they are not typically pets, in some places they are legal. You could see about rehabilitating one, as well.
7.Macaw
The Macaw is a huge, exotically multi-colored bird, known for its extraordinarily long tail. It’s not unusual to want a Macaw based on looks alone! Macaws come in variations of indigo-blue, scarlet, green, and yellow. And of course, Macaws can also learn how to talk.
In fact, it’s getting them to stop talking -and making noise in general- that’s the trick. Macaws love to hear their own voice and will speak both actual words, and gibberish, along with squawks, chatters, etc.
So, make sure you that you are okay with this before you get a Macaw.
Final Thoughts
So, what do you think? Do any of these birds catch your eye? Perhaps you’d like a flamboyant and noisy Macaw. Or maybe you’d like to chat with a super-intelligent African Gray Parrot. With the proper attention and care, all of these birds can make wonderful companions -and all of them can talk!
