Owning a pet is a big decision because it requires responsibility and commitment. A significant factor to consider before obtaining a pet is how they suit your lifestyle, as certain pets may fit perfectly while others may not. For many families, the most common choice for a pet is either a cat or a dog, but other families may choose to go a different direction. Perhaps they have relatives who are allergic to fur, their living situation is not suitable for animals that get the zoomies, or they simply do not have the time to take care of a cat or dog.
Birds are common alternatives to cats or dogs when it comes to pets because they do not take up much space, and you do not have to take them outside to go potty or spend a large portion of time exercising them.
While some birds have a bad reputation for being unintelligent, most birds are incredibly smart animals. Here, we list the smartest bird breeds that are also known to be good pets. If you get one, with training and patience, you may have them doing tricks in no time!
Top 6 Smartest Bird Species
1. African Grey Parrot
Among all birds and across multiple research studies, the African Grey Parrot is considered a genius. This parrot is said to have an intelligence equivalent to that of a 5–7-year-old child and can have a vocabulary of up to 100 words!
Although socially awkward, these genius parrots are known to be “vocally intelligent.” Not only can they mimic, but they can also eventually understand the words and speak in sentences where they actually think about what they are going to say! They can also ask their owners questions and express how they feel. These birds have a lifespan of up to 50 years, so with enough love and care, you might hear the touching words “I love you” from your African Grey Parrot.
2. Macaw
The macaw is another type of parrot known for its bright colors and intelligence, making it a great pet should you choose to go the parrot route! Macaws are emotionally intelligent birds that love communicating with people or other birds. They are said to have intelligence comparable to a toddler and can learn a variety of words and even exhibit problem-solving skills.
Should you decide to own a macaw, be prepared for a long-term commitment. Its life span is around 40 to 50 years, and some can even live up to 70 years old! Although they tend to be aggressive, they are generally friendly and loving parrots that require a lot of both emotional and intelligent stimulation.
3. Cockatoo
Another parrot, the cockatoo, is an intelligent breed. Compared to other parrots, which are vocally and emotionally intelligent, the cockatoo is characterized by its physical and spatial intelligence. Known for their dexterity, cockatoos are popular for attempting to escape their cages by picking the locks or by simply trying to destroy them and find a way out. They enjoy ripping things apart, so it may be recommended to provide your cockatoo with toys or materials like pieces of wood that it can mess around with in its cage.
Just like macaws, these parrots require long-term commitment, as they can live 50 to 70 years. They are extremely intelligent and enjoy singing more than talking. They can learn words and are playful, catching people’s attention with their tricks and jokes. The cockatoo is emotionally sensitive, so it must receive enough attention and affection. This should not be difficult, these birds are also affectionate in nature and love bonding.
4. Budgerigar
A smaller species of parrot, the budgerigar is a great example of the saying, “size does not matter,” at least when it comes to intelligence. Budgerigars, or “budgies” for short, are both tiny and incredibly smart! They have the intelligence equivalent to that of a 2-year-old child, all squeezed into their cute little bodies. They are sociable and love to talk and sing. Some studies say that they can have a vocabulary of up to 800 words!
Due to their size, budgies’ lifespans are not as long as those of their bigger parrot counterparts, living up to 10 years. As curious little birds, budgies are like sponges that absorb all the information in the environment, from speech to telephone ringing and the honking of horns!
5. Conure
Another species of parrot, the conure can be slightly larger than the budgie and is extremely intelligent. There are several species of conures, and these small-medium-sized birds all tend to be excellent problem solvers. When owning a conure, note that this bird needs companionship, as it can get lonely. Make sure your pet gets constant social and mental stimulation from people, companion birds, toys, or all three!
Being slightly larger than budgies, conures can live up to 15 to 20 years. These birds may be tiny, but they are also intelligent and absolutely beautiful with their signature red and green feathers!
6. Finches and Canaries
The only birds that are not parrots on this list, finches and canaries belong to the order of birds called Passerines. They are relatively quiet and do not really require much attention but are known for being witty and clever. They are also known for being melodic and often showcase their vocal prowess even when nobody is paying any attention to them.
Since they do not belong to the parrot species, they do not talk and are generally hands-off birds, mostly interacting with other birds. They can be territorial, so it is important to avoid crowding their cages. They can live up to 10 years, and if you are looking for a low-maintenance companion that can be equally entertaining to care for, a finch or canary may be perfect for you!
Final Thoughts
Birds are among the smartest animals out there and make some of the best pets too. It is important to know what you are looking for when choosing a pet, and a bird can be a good alternative to the common cat or dog.
Although the birds mentioned here come in different shapes and sizes and have varying levels of intelligence, at the end of the day, it is the love and care that you give to these birds and the relationships that you form with them that make them special!
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Featured Image Credit: Capri23auto, Pixabay
