Spending a few minutes chatting with a talking bird can
brighten your day, and adding a bird to your family will provide a fun
opportunity to enjoy the bonds that form when your feathered companion can
talk. Many types of birds love to talk and their styles can vary according to
their species as well as their temperament. While some birds may be able to
memorize a few words, others can carry on full conversations. Here are the top
pet bird types that have the ability to learn to talk along with their defining
characteristics to help you decide which one will best fit your lifestyle.
Converse With a Conure
Conures are known for having the smallest vocabulary out of
the parrot family. However, what they lack in words, they make up for in
personality. Conures have a loud, attention-getting voice, and they sound more
like a bird than other species. Although they can reproduce the human voice to
some degree, you may also hear them chatter in bird talk while maintaining a
human-like rhythm. They also have a surprisingly strong ability to mimic many
different kinds of sounds, and your conure can keep you in giggles as they
sneeze, chortle and chuckle.
Query a Quaker
Quakers have tons of personality and many bird lovers claim
that their quaker can respond as if they understand the entire conversation.
Perhaps this is due to their impeccable timing, which indicates that they may
have some understanding of the intricacies of human language. For example, you
may find your quaker telling you "good night" as you turn off a
light, or they may say "thank you" when you give them some food.
Quakers are full of surprises and this is one talking bird that can keep the
one-liners coming.
Babble with a Budgie
Budgies often get overlooked when it comes to talking birds,
but according to the Guinness Book of World records, a budgie has earned the
distinction of being "The Most Talking Bird" with a vocabulary of
more than 1700 words. If you are considering getting a budgie, then be sure it
is a male since females do not talk. Additionally, budgies pick up new words
from their environment and are constantly adding to their vocabulary. Try
leaving the radio or television on during quiet periods of the day and you will
be amazed at how much your budgie can learn to say.
Gab with an African Grey
African greys are quieter than a conure, yet they also have
the ability to reproduce different voices depending upon whom they are
mimicking. For example, your African grey may sing a song in the voice of your
favorite musical artist, or they could squawk "hello" in your kid's
voice so well that you think they are in the room. As you teach your grey to
talk, keep in mind that they learn words faster when emotions are attached to
them. So, get excited when you tell them hello or call them a pretty bird.
Talking birds are a great addition to any home, and you can
spend hours training your bird to communicate effectively. Whether you prefer a
chatterbox or an occasional bit of birdie wisdom, there is a type of talking
bird that will fit your preferences. Just remember that talking to your bird
frequently is the best way to expand their vocabulary which means that you can
get started from the moment you bring your new bird home.