When people think of which pet to get, they typically picture familiar options like dogs, cats, or maybe even fish. An often overlooked option is a pet bird. With such a wide variety of species, personalities, and care requirements, choosing a bird for your home may seem overwhelming. To make it easier, I have narrowed it down to the top five best birds for people looking to welcome a feathered friend into their home. As a bird lover for over of 15 years, I like to think I have a solid understanding of what makes a species manageable and realistic, no matter your schedule.

1. Parakeets/Budgerigars (Budgies)

Whether you call them budgies or parakeets, this bird is commonly regarded as the cheapest and most widely owned bird species. Due to their low initial cost, as well as their inexpensive cages, food, and supplies, they are one of the most commonly bred bird species on earth.  This is because not only are they cheap, but they’re often really friendly and quite trainable. On average, one can puchase a budgie for around $10-$20. Many people love the idea of a talking bird, and some budgies can learn to chatter like humans and even make out words or phrases. They come in a multitude of colors to choose from, such as vibrant blues, yellows, and greens, or even rarer color mutations like albino or opaline. Budgies are easy birds to have because you can keep them while maintaining a work or school routine. They can also be kept solo, yet love having a playmate to chirp back and forth with during the day, filling a home with birdsong.

2. Zebra Finches

Colorful and spotted, with a recognizable little squeak, zebra finches are the ultimate low-maintenance companion. These birds are less people-focused and prefer spending time with other finches. That means people don’t have to give them long periods of attention, and can easily spend the day at work or school. As long as they’re provided with a roomy cage, fresh food, and clean water, they’ll do their own thing for most of the day. Their small size means they don’t make a huge mess of their cage and don’t require lots of hands-on attention or training. They’re known to be super adaptable to changes, so if you have a big move or don’t have the same schedule every day, it would affect them far less than other bird species! They’re also right around $39.99 per bird, significantly cheaper than most bird species.

3. Cockatiel

While cockatiels are not as cheap as parakeets or finches, they are still one of the best birds to own, and a long-time favorite among bird owners worldwide. They’re incredibly entertaining and are significantly less demanding than larger parrot breeds. They also love their owners, but similar to the others, don’t demand constant attention. Cockatiels are gentle birds who are easy to train, which makes them perfect for owners who want the parrot experience without the maintenance large parrots, such as macaws or cockatoos, may require. Like larger parrots, these little guys can mimic human words and phrases, and are known to sing songs they hear in their environment. They can be trained to talk with positive reinforcement and treats. On top of their reasonable price, around $60-90, their cages, food, and toys are also decently affordable. If you’re looking for a calm-tempered and cuddly bird, a cockatiel is the perfect feathered friend for your household.

4. Doves/Pigeons

Doves and pigeons are some of the most underrated bird species to have as pets. Not only are they one of the quietest and calmest-sounding bird species you can own, but they’re also incredibly cuddly and love human interaction. Plus, many people don’t realize how domesticated your average pigeons really are.  They’ve been bred by humans for thousands of years, whether that’s for racing, competitions, or carrying messages. Pigeons became reliant on humans, so they’d fit right into the average household because they love people! Some breeds struggle to find food in the wild on their own because of the way they’re bred, so you, as the owner, provide the seeds and veggie diet they love. They don’t require training, and they can be independent if needed, so they would be a perfect pet bird within a range of lifestyles. Basic pigeons can also be as cheap as $20 per bird, making them a top-tier choice for a peaceful companion.

5. Lovebirds

Unlike some of the other birds on this list, lovebirds are high-energy little parrots with a loud voice and a big personality. They like roaming a spacious cage, shredding paper and toys, and climbing around like little acrobats. Lovebirds come in a variety of colors and personalities, making them a great pet. Even though they are small, they can become super friendly and personable with frequent handling from their owner. Their care is similar to other small parrots, with a roomy cage, enrichment, and toys, yet the reward these little birds provide is remarkable. They reward you with lots of love, energy, and a playful charm.

Even though they’re called “Lovebirds”, they actually can thrive as solitary animals and do fine by themselves with proper attention. However, they can also bond extremely well with a mate, which gives them their name! If they don’t have another bird to bond with, they often form that bond with their owner with proper love and care. They have a special courting ritual and typically mate for life. If their mate becomes ill or dies, the bird can become depressed and even start to show erratic behavior. They enjoy a lot of stimulation and enrichment from their toys, and love to make a mess of paper or certain shreddable toys. These birds are the most expensive on this list, though, with a range of $50-$300! Their price depends on many factors, including species, color, and whether or not the bird is hand-raised.

All images from Pixabay