Parrots are admired for their remarkable talking abilities. Dive into their world with the top 10 talkers, including African and Yellow-Naped Amazons
Are you considering a talking parrot as your new feathered companion but not sure where to start?
Well…
When it comes to beginner-friendly parrots that talk, three top contenders stand out: Budgerigars (Budgies), Quaker Parrots, and Indian Ringneck Parakeets.
Budgerigars are budget, beginner-friendly, small in size, and known for their clear and melodic speech. Quaker Parrots are sociable and friendly birds, and excel in training and quickly pick up words and phrases.
Indian Ringneck Parakeets are strikingly colorful and develop an impressive vocabulary with patience and dedication. They may be a bit more challenging to train, but their talking abilities are worth the effort.
Other good talking parrots you can own as pets are African grey parrots, Eclectus, Amazon parrots, cockatoos and Macaws, but these species are bigger and extremely demanding. They are better kept by experience parrot keepers.
Overall, the best talking parrots (both for beginners and experienced owners) are:
- African grey parrot
- Amazon parrots
- Macaws
- Eclectus
- Ringneck parakeets
- Cockatoos
- Quaker parrots
- Budgies
- Lineolated Parakeet (not eager talker, but are pretty audible)
- Senegal parrot (not eager talker, but are relatively audible)
- Mitred, Blue Crowned, and Red Masked Conure (have a chunky, husky voice; are not too clear)
TO NOTE: As I always say, there is not such thing as a ‘beginner friendly parrot’, all species are demanding and more difficult to keep than you average dog or cat. You also do not want to choose your bird based solely on its ability to talk or mimic, you have to be sure are ready, willing, and commited to owning a lifelong companion, and the species you choose perfectly fits your lifestyle!
What Parrots Can Talk Best
African grey parrots and Amazon parrots, are the best talking birds to keep as pets. They are prized for their speech clarity and word mastery ,and are popular choices for pet bird owners who want a talking companion. Cockatoos, eclectus, and macaws (especially mini-macaws) are also great talkers too.
However, all these are medium to large parrots, that are overly demanding and less suited for beginners.
African grey parrots have been reported to have vocabularies of over 1,000 words, and these birds are not only skilled at mimicking human speech but can also learn to associate words with specific objects or actions.
On average, African grey parrots can learn and understand a vocabulary of several hundred to even over a thousand words, averaging 500 words. They can even use the words in context.
Both Congo and Timneh African grey parrots are excellent talkers, but Congo often come on top. They are able to master a few more vocubularies and speak with better clarity than the Timnehs.
Even so, your AG’s vocubulary will also vary (from bird to bird) depending on their individual intelligence, training, exposure to language, and the amount of interaction, enrichment, and the bond they have with their owner (you).
Yellow-Naped and Blue-Fronted Amazons are arguably the best talkers of their species, but all Amazon parrot have decent talking skills. They can learn and speak an average of 300 words (often more) with proper training and patience.
With both African grey parrots and Amazons, they are more receptive to learning at a tender age, so to get yours to master more words and phrases, start training while young.
They are can start speaking as early as 3 to 6 months old.
What Parrots are The Easiest to Train
When it comes to teaching a parrot to talk, the ease of training can vary depending on the individual bird’s personality and species.
However, some parrot species are generally known for their aptitude for talking and tend to be more receptive to speech training. Among these, the African Grey Parrot and the Amazon Parrot are often considered some of the easiest parrots to teach to talk.
African Grey Parrots are renowned for their exceptional talking abilities and are often considered the best talking parrots.
They have a large vocabulary and can mimic human speech with remarkable clarity and accuracy. Their intelligence and natural inclination to mimic sounds make them excellent candidates for speech training.
Amazon Parrots, such as the Yellow-naped Amazon and Blue-fronted Amazon, are also known for their talking abilities. They have a pleasant voice and can learn a variety of words and phrases. They are also intelligent and sociable, which makes them more likely to engage in talking and mimicry.
However, these birds are large and demand pleny of attention and care. For this reason, budgies, quakers, or IRNs maybe be easier and best parrot to teach to talk, especially for newer owners.
Small Parrot That Talk
As noted above…
Budgies, Quaker parrots and Indian ringnecks are small to medium-sized parrot that have superior talking abilities than other equally sized birdies, such as green cheeked conures (upto Mitred conures).
Lineolated parakeets (Linnies) and Senegal parrots (Sennies) are also very clear talking birds, but because of their laid back temperament, they tend to less chatty and their vocubulatly is often limited. Plus they are a little bigger than your average budgie, cockatiel or quaker (more like the IRN).
Now…
If you consider IRNs, Linnies, and Sennies small enough for your liking, then you can also look into larger conures, such as Mitred, Blue Crowned, and Red Masked conure, which are decent talker, although their speech is often chunky, husky, and not too clear.
In my experience, Quaker parrots and Indian ringnecks are perfect for a new birds owner, with or without a family, but with an stand alone house. They are too loud and not suitable for apartment living.
Budgies, Lineolated parakeets, and senegal parrots, are perfect birds for fairly new owners, beginner, who want a talking a bird and are living in an apartment. Depending on individual personalities, linies and sennies can be good family parrots as well.
Are Budgies Good Talking Parrots (Talkers)
Budgies have a reputation for being incredibly talkative and for good reason. They have a remarkable vocal range that includes melodious chirps, whistles, and, most notably, relatively clear and articulate speech.
In the wild, they communicate with their flock through a series of chirps and whistles. In captivity, they quickly pick up on the sounds and words spoken by their human caregivers.
This mimicry is driven by their instinct to bond with their flock, which in this case (at home), includes you.
The number of words a budgie can learn varies from bird to bird, but they are capable of learning a surprising number of words and phrases. Some budgies have been known to learn dozens or even hundreds of words and phrases over time but the relative average is 50 to 100 words.
Budgie talk pretty clearly for their size, almost as well as some larger birds. The little bird are clear than equally sized bird, like conures and cockatiel, and even larger species, such as Meyer’s parrots, senegal parrots, lories and lorikeets.
Some budgies may start mimicking sounds and words as early as two or three months old, while others may take a year or more to begin talking. Young budgies also tend to be more receptive to learning new sounds and words, so they may start talking sooner than older birds.
Are Quaker Parrots Good Talking Parrots (Talkers)
Quaker are a highly intelligent and sociable parrot species that can learn to mimic human speech and other sounds quite effectively.
While they may not be as renowned for their talking ability as some other parrot species like the African Grey or Amazon parrots, many Quaker parrots have been known to develop a sizable vocabulary and can be quite entertaining with their talking and mimicry.
They are also audible than other birds their size, like conures and pionus parrots. Quakers are almost as audible as Hahn’s macaw or Southern mealy Amazon parrots.
Quaker parrots start talking at 6 months, but some may start sooner and others later, depending on genetics and level of socialization.
Quakers make perfect talking parrots for beginners because reserve to their vocal prowess, they are relatively easier to care, have lesser socialization demand (but still require 3 to 5 hours a day), more affordable to purchase and maintain, and less destructive.
However, monk parakeets
Are Indian Ringnecks Good Talking Parrots (Talkers)
Indian Ringnecks are excellent talkers and can learn a wide vocabulary. Their talking ability is influenced by factors such as genetics, socialization, and the amount of time and effort spent on training.
In general, many Ringneck parrots start to show the early signs of talking between 6 months and 1 year of age. However, some may begin to mimic and talk at a relatively young age (3 to 4 months), while others may take longer to develop their talking abilities.
An ringneck parakeet can learn as many as 250 words depending on interaction with its owner.
Are Cockatiels Good Talking Parrots (Talkers)
. Whistling is a more natural behavior for cockatiels, and many people find their melodic whistles quite charming.
Cockatiels are more renowned for their whistling abilities than their talking skills. While some cockatiels can mimic words and phrases, they are generally better at imitating various sounds, including tunes and household noises.
There is no significant difference between male and female cockatiels when it comes to talking, but males often vocalize more, although abilities are more likely to be influenced by individual personality and training than gender.
Cockatiels can start vocalizing at a young age (6 months or less), but their ability to talk and mimic sounds may develop over time. It often takes some patience and consistent training to encourage them to talk.
How Do You Train A Parrot to Talk (As A Beginner)
Teaching a parrot to speak can be an incredibly rewarding endeavor, but demands a blend of patience, consistency, and positive reinforcment.
The process should revolve around nurturing a strong bond with your parrot and implementing a methodical strategy for language acquisition.
Your choice of parrot species is also crucial, as some species, like African Grey and Amazon parrots, are renowned for their exceptional talking abilities. Plus, it’s generally more effective to start training when the parrot is young, as they tend to be more receptive to new sounds and words.
Birds will learn best when they are at ease, free from any stress or distractions, so handpick a tranquil and comfortable space devoid of disturbances for your training sessions.
Socialization also plays a significant role in a parrot’s ability to mimic sounds and words. As such, start by spending quality time with your parrot, engaging in conversations, and building a social connection with the bird, before you begin active training.
Now, when you start the lessons, keep in mind repetition forms the bedrock of this training.
So, consistently expose your parrot to the words or phrases you aim to teach, using a clear and distinct voice, starting with uncomplicated words or phrases, such as “hello,” “good morning,” or your parrot’s name.
Use the same words and phrases consistently, and maintain regular practice. It’s advisable to focus on teaching one word at a time, which helps the parrot concentrate and learn more effectively.
To assist in comprehension, connect words with specific actions or objects. For example, say “good morning” when you unveil your parrot in the morning.
Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool!
When your parrot accurately mimics a word or sound, reward them with treats, praise, or affection. This positive feedback encourages your bird to repeat the behavior.
Parrot have personal preferences and what one bird loves might not be what another parrot will love, so ensure you are using the right treats to train yours depending on what he enjoys.
Remember to maintain an enjoyable and lighthearted atmosphere during training because parrots tend to thrive when training is a pleasurable experience for both the bird and the owner.
Keep the sessions short and end them before the birds loses intrest. Short breaks between lessons are also recommended to keep your birds from getting bored and zoning out.
If you encounter difficulties or require expert guidance, consider consulting a professional bird trainer or an avian veterinarian who can offer valuable insights and tips.
Above all, it’s essential to acknowledge that not all parrots will learn to speak. Individual personality and temperament play a significant role in a parrot’s talking abilities.
So, always prioritize your parrot’s well-being and comfort throughout the training process, and understand and respect their unique abilities and limitations.
How Much Training Do Talking Bird Need (Require)
The amount of training a talking parrot needs and the frequency of training sessions can vary depending on the individual bird, its age, and its previous training experience, but 10 to 20 minutes, three times a day, 5 to 6 days a week (depending on his enthusiasim) sounds about right.
Parrots, especially younger ones, have shorter attention spans. Aim for training sessions that last 10-15 minutes. You can have multiple sessions throughout the day if necessary.
Start by doing 10 minutes (or so) lessons for younger birds because they often have a shorter concentration span. Older parrots (birds that have learned a couple of tricks and words) are able to concetrate for more (up to 30 minutes) with a short break in between, so longer lessons are ok.
Depending on how open you parrot is to learning, you can keep increasing his vocubulary over several years, but within a year, most parrots should know a couple of word and phrases.
Keep in mind consistency is more important than the duration of each training session. Therefore, tt’s better to have shorter, regular training sessions than infrequent, lengthy ones.
It’s generally a good idea to train your parrot every day, especially when you’re just starting.
Remember some birds may pick up words and phrases quickly, while others may take more time, so be patient! Don’t rush the training process.
Also avoid overtraining, as it can lead to frustration for both you and your parrot. If the bird seems disinterested or becomes agitated during a session, it’s best to stop and try again later.
What is The Best Age to Train A Parrot to Talk
The best age to train a parrot to talk is when they are young, typically between 3 to 12 months of age because young parrots are more receptive to learning new words and sounds.
They also have greater mimicry abilities, and their brains are more adaptable, making it easier for them to learn and remember vocalizations.
You can still train older parrots, but younger parrots are generally easier receptive to training.
Older parrots are harder to train because they may have established behaviors that make it more challenging to teach them new sounds and words.
How Long Do Parrots Take to Talk
A parrot will learn to talk at a very early age. Most will say common words, like Hi, Hello, and Kiss, Kiss at three to six months old. However, it will take up to a year for your parrot to learn long phrases, such as “Be a good birdie” or “Did you eat dinner”, with decent level of clarity.
At three to four years old, most will have learned an extensive vocabulary. More intelligent parrots, like African grey and Amazon parrots, will even be able to say words and phrases in context. For instance, “Good morning”, when you wake up and “Good night” while you tuck him in at night.
I’ve seen some parrots at that age able to even tell apart colors, material (metal, glass), and objects (bowls, cup)!
However, every bird is different!
Some never talk, some need more time than others, and some need less. Be patient, use positive reinforcement, and chat with your parrot all the time.
You will be surprised by the number of times a parrot will learn a word or phrase, not because you were to teach or train him but because you use the word often.
Typical words to expect from a 3 to 12 months old parrots include:
- Hi!
- Hello!
- Kiss, Kiss (followed by kissing sounds)
- His name (X)
- Come Here!
- Whatchu Doin?
- Gimme A Kiss
- Peekaboo?
- Pretty wings
How Long Does It Take to Teach A Parrot to Talk
The time it takes to teach a parrot to talk can vary widely depending on the individual bird’s personality, age, and your training consistency.
Some parrots may start mimicking words or sounds within a few weeks to a few months of training, while others may take several months or even longer.
Some may never go past Hi, Hello and Kiss kiss!
It also depends on how much and how long you are willing to train your bird. An African grey can learn up to 500 words and phrases, but it could take several years teach it as many words.
What are Common Challenges While Training Parrots to Talk
Training parrots to talk is a rewarding but challenging endeavor.
These intelligent birds are capable of mimicking human speech, but not all parrots will talk, and even those that do may face obstacles during the training process.
Here are some common challenges you might encounter when training parrots to talk:
1 — It Demands Patience
Training a parrot to talk takes time and patience. Some birds might learn quickly, but most take weeks, months, or even years to pick up new words.
Depending on a parrot’s personality, some might never talk even after dedicating years trying to train them, which can be frustrating.
As such, do not purchase a parrot solely for its talking ability. Get one that you are willing to care for and dedicate to for years, whether it talks or not.
2 — Consistency
Consistency in training and interacting with parratos is crucial. The birds need daily practice and reinforcement to retain what they’ve learned.
Unfortunately, most of activities involves a lot of repetition over a period which can be boring. So, you need to keep that in mind before you get a parrot or even start training it!
3 — Distractions
Parrots are easily distracted by their surroundings. Noisy environments, other pets, or even changes in their surroundings can disrupt the training process.
Therefore, you have to put up a serene space for talk training your parrot, which may come at an extra cost or discourage new bird owners from working with their birds.
4 — Shyness or Fear
Some parrots may be shy or fearful,especially small species, like busgies, which can hinder their willingness to talk or engage in training. Building trust and a positive bond with your parrot might help, but some birdies might never overcome that fear.
5 — Vocalization Preferences
Parrots are complex birds with their own preferences for the sounds they mimic. Some might favor specific words or phrases, while others may not imitate what you want them to say.
Other may not be eager to learn the words your are teaching them but quickly pick up the words you use oftenly, even vulgarities.
6 — Hormonal Changes
Parrots go through hormonal changes during puberty, which can affect their behavior, including their willingness to engage in training.
A parrot that was eager to learn as a baby, may suddenly choose to keep to itself and become overly agressive. African grey and cockatoos arguably the best talking parrot are especially prone to such changes.
7 — Competition from Other Birds
If you have multiple parrots, they may compete for attention and may not focus on the training process.
This is more true when you have species, such as Conures and parrotlets, which can be overly jealous and lash out if they feel neglected or think they are being replaced.
8 — Age
Older parrots may have established behaviors that make it more challenging to teach them new sounds and words. This especially true for rehomed or adopted parrots, with traumas from previous experience or “separation anxiety”.
Well…That’s all for this post. See you in the next one.
Happy birding🦜🐦!