Parrots are among the most intelligent, social and fascinating pets you can own. But choosing the wrong species as a beginner can lead to frustration for both owner and bird. The right beginner parrot is one that is forgiving of mistakes, manageable in size and capable of forming a strong bond with its owner.
In this guide we cover the 7 best parrot species for beginners, what to expect from each one and essential care tips to get started.
What Makes a Good Beginner Parrot?
The best beginner parrots share these characteristics:
- Forgiving temperament — tolerates handling mistakes without becoming aggressive
- Manageable noise level — not excessively loud for apartment living
- Moderate care requirements — does not need advanced diet or housing
- Social and affectionate — bonds well with humans
- Relatively affordable — both purchase price and ongoing costs
7 Best Parrot Species for Beginners
1. Budgerigar (Budgie)
The Budgie is the world's most popular pet bird — and the perfect starting point for first-time parrot owners. They are small, affordable, relatively quiet and capable of learning to talk. A well-socialized Budgie is affectionate, playful and endlessly entertaining.
- Size: 18 cm · 30–40 g
- Lifespan: 7 to 15 years
- Noise level: Low to moderate
- Talking ability: Good — can learn dozens of words
- Best for: Apartments, families, first-time bird owners
2. Cockatiel
The Cockatiel is the second most popular pet bird in the world. Gentle, affectionate and relatively easy to train, they are excellent companions for beginners. Cockatiels are known for their ability to whistle tunes and mimic household sounds. They need daily interaction but are not as demanding as larger parrots.
- Size: 30 cm · 80–100 g
- Lifespan: 15 to 25 years
- Noise level: Moderate
- Talking ability: Moderate — better at whistling than talking
- Best for: Families, singles, beginners wanting a hands-on bird
3. Lovebird
Lovebirds are small, colorful and full of personality. They are highly social and form incredibly strong bonds — either with their owner or with a partner bird. Hand-raised Lovebirds are affectionate and playful. They are more independent than Cockatiels but equally rewarding.
- Size: 13–17 cm · 40–60 g
- Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
- Noise level: Moderate
- Talking ability: Limited
- Best for: People who want a small but bold companion bird
4. Green Cheek Conure
The Green Cheek Conure is one of the quietest and most affectionate conure species — making it an excellent choice for beginners who want a medium-sized parrot with a big personality. They are playful, cuddly and love being carried in pockets or under shirts. Much quieter than other conures.
- Size: 25 cm · 60–80 g
- Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
- Noise level: Low to moderate
- Talking ability: Limited but possible
- Best for: People wanting a cuddly medium parrot in an apartment
5. Parrotlet
Parrotlets are the smallest true parrot species — but they have the personality of a much larger bird. Bold, curious and highly intelligent, they pack an enormous amount of character into a tiny body. They require consistent socialization but reward patient owners with deep bonds.
- Size: 11–14 cm · 18–28 g
- Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
- Noise level: Low
- Talking ability: Good for their size
- Best for: Apartments, experienced beginners wanting a tiny but feisty bird
6. Pionus Parrot
The Pionus is one of the most underrated beginner parrots. Calm, gentle and significantly quieter than most medium parrots, they are ideal for owners who want a larger bird without the noise and demanding nature of an Amazon or Cockatoo. They are independent but affectionate with their family.
- Size: 25–30 cm · 180–220 g
- Lifespan: 25 to 40 years
- Noise level: Low to moderate
- Talking ability: Moderate
- Best for: Owners wanting a calm medium parrot with a long lifespan
7. Lineolated Parakeet (Linnie)
The Lineolated Parakeet is one of the best kept secrets in the parrot world. Exceptionally calm, quiet and gentle, Linnies are ideal for beginners who want a small parrot that is easy to handle. They walk rather than hop — giving them an endearing penguin-like quality — and adapt extremely well to apartment living.
- Size: 16–17 cm · 45–55 g
- Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
- Noise level: Very low
- Talking ability: Good — surprisingly clear speakers
- Best for: Apartments, noise-sensitive environments, true beginners
Essential Parrot Care for Beginners
Cage size
The cage should be large enough for the bird to fully extend its wings and move freely. A general rule: the cage should be at least 1.5 times the bird's wingspan in width and height. Bigger is always better.
Diet
A healthy parrot diet consists of:
- High quality pellets — 60% to 70% of diet. Pellets provide complete balanced nutrition.
- Fresh vegetables — 20% to 30%. Leafy greens, carrots, peppers and squash are excellent choices.
- Fresh fruit — 5% to 10%. Offer in small amounts due to sugar content.
- Seeds and nuts — treats only, not a staple diet. High in fat.
Never feed parrots: avocado, chocolate, caffeine, onion, garlic or alcohol — all are toxic to birds.
Social needs
Parrots are flock animals. They need daily interaction with their owner — a minimum of 1 to 2 hours outside the cage per day. A lonely parrot develops feather plucking, screaming and other behavioral problems.
Mental stimulation
Provide foraging toys, puzzle feeders and rotating toys to keep your parrot mentally engaged. Boredom is the root cause of most behavioral problems in pet parrots.
Los mejores loros para principiantes
Los mejores loros para principiantes son el Periquito Australiano, la Cotorra (Cockatiel), el Agapornis (Lovebird) y la Cotorra de Mejillas Verdes. Son dóciles, manejables y forman vínculos fuertes con sus dueños sin ser demasiado exigentes.
Todo loro necesita interacción diaria, una dieta basada en pellets y verduras frescas, y un espacio suficiente para extender las alas. Nunca les des aguacate, chocolate ni cebolla — son tóxicos para las aves.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest parrot to take care of?
The Budgerigar (Budgie) is consistently ranked as the easiest parrot to care for. They are small, affordable, relatively quiet and forgiving of beginner mistakes. The Cockatiel is a close second for those wanting a slightly larger, more interactive bird.
Do beginner parrots talk?
Budgies and Cockatiels can learn to talk with consistent training. Parrotlets and Green Cheek Conures have limited but possible talking ability. The Lineolated Parakeet is surprisingly articulate for its size. Talking ability varies greatly between individual birds regardless of species.
How much does a beginner parrot cost?
Budgies typically cost $20 to $60 USD. Cockatiels range from $80 to $200 USD. Green Cheek Conures cost $150 to $350 USD. Pionus Parrots range from $200 to $900 USD depending on the subspecies. Ongoing costs include food, cage, toys and annual veterinary check-ups.
Can I keep a parrot in an apartment?
Yes — several parrot species are well suited to apartment living. The quietest options are the Lineolated Parakeet, Parrotlet and Green Cheek Conure. Avoid larger species like Amazons, Cockatoos and Macaws in apartments — their noise levels are not suitable for shared living spaces.
Recommended Products for Beginner Parrot Owners
Everything you need to set up your first parrot cage:
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Pawpedia Editorial Team
Reviewed against ASPCA and AKC veterinary guidelines · Updated May 2026
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