Best Parrots for Beginners: Top Choices

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Best choice of Parrot for beginners

Choosing a parrot is an exciting decision, but some species are better suited to first-time bird owners than others. Here are the best parrots for beginners, ranked by ease of care, temperament, and adaptability.

Budgerigar (Budgie / Parakeet)

Budgerigar budgie parakeet
  • Size: Small (7 inches)
  • Lifespan: 5–10 years (can live longer with good care)
  • Personality: Friendly, intelligent, easy to tame, capable of mimicking speech
  • Pros: Inexpensive, low maintenance, doesn’t need a huge cage, great for kids
  • Cons: Fragile; needs gentle handling

Best for: First-time bird owners, families, apartment dwellers

Cockatiel

Cockatiel parrot
  • Size: Small-medium (12–13 inches)
  • Lifespan: 15–25 years
  • Personality: Affectionate, social, whistling ability, less noisy than larger parrots
  • Pros: Easy to train, often hand-tamed, enjoys interaction
  • Cons: Can be dusty (due to feather powder), needs daily social time

Best for: Beginners wanting a social, cuddly companion

Green-Cheeked Conure

Green-cheeked conure parrot
  • Size: Small-medium (10 inches)
  • Lifespan: 15–20 years
  • Personality: Playful, affectionate, loves cuddling, quieter than many parrots
  • Pros: Very interactive and loving
  • Cons: Can still be loud at times, needs more attention than a budgie or cockatiel

Best for: Beginners willing to commit a bit more time to social interaction

Honorable Mentions:

  • Parrotlet – Tiny but bold; feisty personality in a small body. Not ideal for children.
  • Lovebird – Social and colorful, but can be nippy; best kept singly unless experienced.
  • Quaker Parrot (Monk Parakeet) – Talkative and intelligent but can be noisy and territorial. Not legal in all states (e.g., banned in California).

What to Avoid as a Beginner:

  • African Greys, Macaws, Cockatoos, Amazons – While intelligent and affectionate, they are high-maintenance, noisy, and demand a lot of time and training. Not recommended for beginners.

Tips Before Getting a Parrot:

  • Spend time with the species you’re interested in at a bird rescue or pet store.
  • Consider adopting from a reputable rescue. See also adopting a parrot.
  • Make sure you have access to an avian vet.
  • Research diet, enrichment, and cage requirements.

If you’re looking for the easiest and most rewarding beginner experience, a budgie or cockatiel is typically the best bet. Want a bit more personality and don’t mind a challenge? Try a green-cheeked conure.