By nature, birds can be quite vocal. Wild birds call out to their flocks to let others know of their whereabouts or alert them to predators. Still, bird species—and individual birds within species—have varying noise levels. Although no pet bird will be completely silent, several aren’t prone to making much noise. Some of these birds aren’t inclined to screech and scream while others simply have soft voices that make for subtle background chatter. Here are eight of the quietest pet birds.

Warning

A quiet bird might be a sick bird. If your bird isn’t vocalizing normally, consult a veterinarian as soon as possible.

Finch

Finches are tiny birds with tiny voices, making them a great option for people who want a quiet bird. They tend to make pleasant chirps and peeps throughout the day, and even a small flock has a relatively low noise level. While they are generally hands-off birds for humans, finches prefer to share their space with flock mates. They require an enclosure in which they can fly, as that typically is their only space for exercise.

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Species Overview

Length: 4 inches

Canary

Like other members of the finch family, canaries also don’t tolerate handling well and need a roomy flight cage. Moreover, these birds are relatively solitary and might fight when housed in the same cage. Although male canaries are known for their melodious songs, their small size keeps the volume to a minimum.

Length: 5 to 8 inches

Budgerigar

Budgies (or parakeets) have a remarkable ability to learn to talk, just like their larger parrot cousins. While they like to chatter throughout the day, budgies cannot physically scream at the volume of a large bird. These intelligent, playful birds can be very social with their caretakers. They require a variety of toys to keep them entertained, as well as at least a few hours of daily out-of-cage exercise.

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Length: 6 to 8 inches

Parrotlet

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Length: 4 to 5 inches

Cockatiel

If you are looking for a pet bird that’s a little larger than a finch or budgie, consider a cockatiel. Cockatiels can be vocal, but their chirps rarely reach a bothersome level, especially when compared to larger birds. They’re also quite adept at learning to whistle and mimic household sounds, and many spend their days whistling their favorite tunes.

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Length: 12 to 13 inches

Senegal Parrot

While many parrots are notoriously noisy and demanding, Senegal parrots lean toward a calm, quiet demeanor. While they do vocalize and have the ability to talk, they are less likely to screech than other medium and large parrots. They also tend to be content simply sitting with their favorite caretakers for socialization, though they do need toys and activities to keep them fit.

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Length: 10 inches

Bourke’s Parakeet

Bourke’s parakeets are known for their quiet and gentle demeanor. They tend to be most active and chatty early in the morning and at dusk, though the noise level is still low compared to other parrots. And while they are only moderately active birds, they prefer a roomy enclosure in which they can do some flying.

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Length: 7 to 9 inches

Dove

Doves can be sweet and gentle pet birds that aren’t noisy or demanding of attention like many parrots. These birds are known for their pleasant cooing vocalizations, though some people might find it annoying that the cooing rarely ceases while the bird is awake. Still, for those who prefer an easygoing bird, a dove might be an excellent fit.

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Length: 11 to 13 inches

  • Parrots & Pet Birds