Key Takeaways
- Bird noise levels differ by species and even among individuals.
- Canaries and finches are ideal quiet pet birds, known for their gentle chirps and soft peeps.
- Medium-sized birds, such as cockatiels and Senegal parrots, may vocalize, but they are not typically excessively loud.
By nature, birds tend to be vocal. In the wild, they use calls to communicate with their flocks, signal their location, or warn about predators. However, different species—and even individual birds—vary in how noisy they can be.
While no bird kept as a pet will ever be completely silent, some are far less likely to create loud disturbances. Certain species don’t usually scream or screech, while others have naturally soft voices that sound more like gentle background chatter. Below are eight of the quietest options for quiet pet birds.
Warning
A bird that seems unusually quiet could be unwell. If your pet bird stops vocalizing as it normally does, seek advice from a veterinarian right away.
1. Finch
Finches are small birds with equally small voices, which makes them an excellent choice for those seeking a quiet companion. Their soft chirps and peeps are gentle and pleasant, and even when kept in groups, their overall noise level remains low.
Though they aren’t typically hands-on pets, finches enjoy living alongside other birds. They also need a spacious enclosure that allows them to fly, as this is their main form of exercise.
Species Overview
- Length: Around 4 inches
- Weight: About 0.5 ounce
- Physical Characteristics: Males (zebra finch) have black-and-white throat stripes, bright orange cheek spots, and a red-orange beak; females are gray overall with a less colorful beak.
2. Canary
Similar to other finch family members, canaries do not enjoy frequent handling and require a spacious flight cage.
These birds are naturally solitary and may become aggressive if kept together in the same enclosure. Male canaries are admired for their beautiful songs, but thanks to their small size, the sound remains fairly low in volume.
Species Overview
- Length: 5 to 8 inches
- Weight: 0.5 to 1 ounce
- Physical Characteristics: Commonly bright yellow, though they may also appear in red, orange, or white. Some breeds feature crested heads or frilled feathers.
3. Budgerigar
Budgies, often called parakeets, are skilled mimics with the ability to learn words much like larger parrots. Although they enjoy chattering throughout the day, their smaller size prevents them from reaching the loud volume of bigger birds.
Highly social and playful, these birds form strong bonds with their caregivers. They require a balanced mix of toys for enrichment and at least a few hours of daily out-of-cage activity.
Species Overview
- Length: 6 to 8 inches
- Weight: 1 ounce
- Physical Characteristics: Green abdomen, yellow head, black-and-yellow patterned back, and dark blue tail. Variations can include blue, yellow, white, or gray.
4. Parrotlet
Much like budgies, parrotlets are far too small to produce the loud screeches of larger parrots such as cockatoos or Amazons. Their gentle chirps and soft chatter make them one of the least disruptive birds to keep.
Despite their size, they are lively, bold, and full of personality. To remain tame, they require consistent daily interaction and gentle handling from their caregivers.
Species Overview
- Length: 4 to 5 inches
- Weight: 1 ounce
- Physical Characteristics: Green body and head with blue accents on the back and behind the eyes; color variations include blue, yellow, and white.
5. Cockatiel
For those seeking a pet bird slightly larger than a budgie or finch, a cockatiel is a great choice.
While they do enjoy vocalizing, their sounds are generally soft and not overwhelming compared to bigger parrots. Cockatiels are especially known for their talent at whistling and imitating everyday noises, often entertaining themselves by whistling familiar tunes.
Species Overview
- Length: 12 to 13 inches
- Weight: 3 ounces
- Physical Characteristics: Mostly gray body with a yellow crest and face, accented by bright orange cheeks; varieties include albino, lutino, pied, and cinnamon.
6. Senegal Parrot
Unlike many parrot species known for their loudness and demanding nature, Senegal parrots are generally calm and relatively quiet.
They can mimic speech and enjoy vocalizing, but they are far less prone to screeching than larger parrots. These birds often thrive on simply spending time with their favorite humans, though they still need enrichment through toys and activities to stay healthy.
Species Overview
- Length: 10 inches
- Weight: 4 to 5 ounces
- Physical Characteristics: Gray head, green chest and wings, and a distinctive V-shaped belly patch in shades of yellow to red.
7. Bourke’s Parakeet
Bourke’s parakeets are appreciated for their calm and mild nature. These birds are most talkative during the early morning and around dusk, although their sounds remain soft compared to those of many other parrot species.
They aren’t highly energetic, but they do best with a spacious cage that allows them room to fly.
Must read: Parrot Drawing: 5 Stunning Steps to Create a Masterpiece!
Species Overview
- Length: 7 to 9 inches
- Weight: 2 ounces
- Physical Characteristics: Subtle brownish feathers, pink belly, blue rump, and a yellowish-brown beak. Males display blue crowns, while females typically have white ones.
8. Dove
Doves are gentle and affectionate birds that tend to be quiet and less attention-seeking compared to parrots. Their soft cooing sounds are soothing to many, though it’s worth noting that the cooing often continues whenever the bird is awake.
For those who enjoy a calm and low-maintenance companion, a dove can be a wonderful choice.
Species Overview
- Length: 11 to 13 inches
- Weight: 5 to 8 ounces
- Physical Characteristics: Muted gray and brown plumage, a black ring around the back of the neck, dark beak, and eyes. Color variations include white, orange, and pied (ring-necked dove).
FAQs
Q1: Are there any truly quiet birds as pets?
Yes. While no bird is 100% silent, species like finches, canaries, and parrotlets are often chosen as quiet birds as pets. They make soft chirps or gentle songs instead of loud calls, which makes them perfect for apartments.
Q2: What are the most quiet pet birds?
Some of the most quiet pet birds include Bourke’s Parakeets, Lineolated Parakeets, and Doves. These birds are known for their calm temperaments and softer vocalizations, which differ from the louder vocalizations of parrots.
Q3: Are pet birds quiet compared to other pets?
Yes, many pet birds are quieter than dogs or larger parrots. Small species, such as budgies and finches, make pleasant background sounds rather than disruptive noises.
Q4: Which pet birds are quiet enough for apartments?
If you’re looking for pet birds that are quiet, go for species like cockatiels, canaries, or parrotlets. Their sounds are generally soft, making them suitable for shared living spaces.
