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 otherwise unhappy. Consult a veterinarian if your bird’s noise level seems out of the ordinary.
Cockatoo
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, enabling birds to find their mates and alert flock members to danger. In captivity, cockatoos tend to bond strongly with their caretakers and might loudly vocalize for attention.
Species Overview
Length: 18 inches
Macaw
In the wild, macaws might travel up to 500 miles a day, using their loud contact calls to keep in touch with flock mates. This translates to considerable noise in captivity, which can get excessive. However, macaws also are quite intelligent and can learn tricks and how to talk, making them fun and playful pets.
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Length: 30 to 36 inches
Eclectus
Eclectus parrots are generally easygoing birds that thrive on interacting with their caretakers. They don’t tend to make noise constantly, but they do have a distinctive loud honk that can be startling. Some of these birds also have jealous tendencies if they feel like they’re being ignored, and they might loudly voice their displeasure.
Length: 17 to 20 inches
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Length: 15 to 17 inches
Conure
While they are considerably smaller than many loud parrots, conures can be every bit as loud. These birds can be heard miles away when they scream, which can cause headaches among caretakers and neighbors. Conures also aren’t shy about letting you know with their voices when something displeases them. But well-socialized conures often are affectionate birds that thrive with enough mental and physical stimulation.
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Length: 12 inches
African Grey
African grey parrots have a reputation as some of the best talking birds. It’s what goes on behind the scenes that can cause a problem. Although these birds aren’t known as loud screamers, they do have a tendency to chatter throughout the day. And they can be very loud when they want. As highly intelligent birds, they need plenty of games and socialization to keep them entertained. Otherwise, they might vocalize out of boredom.
Length: 9 to 14 inches
Lorikeet
Lorikeets are generally affectionate birds known for their comical antics. They love to interact with their caretakers and require lots of mental and physical activity to keep them happy and healthy. Because they’re naturally social birds that hang out in large groups in the wild, they have loud voices to be heard over their flock. Their high-pitched calls and frequent chirps might be too noisy for many homes.
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Length: 10 to 12 inches
Ringneck Parakeet
Ringneck parakeets are known for being superb talkers, yet some people might not appreciate the noise of them incessantly practicing words. They have the ability to make fairly shrill calls, but many ringnecks stick to quieter chatter for most of the day. They typically are somewhat aloof, though many well-socialized ringnecks bond well with their caretakers.
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Length: 14 to 17 inches
- Parrots & Pet Birds
