Parrots have the capability to be very loud, and some species are prone to more noise than others. In general, large birds are able to produce louder vocalizations simply because of their size, though there are many chatty small birds, as well. Some of these birds only emit a loud call from time to time while others tend to chirp a lot throughout the day. If you don't mind a rather noisy companion, here are eight of the loudest parrots.
Tip If your bird is excessively vocalizing (screaming), it might be sick, injured, feeling ignored, or unhappy. Consult a veterinarian if your bird's noise level is unusual.
Tip
If your bird is excessively vocalizing (screaming), it might be sick, injured, feeling ignored, or unhappy. Consult a veterinarian if your bird's noise level is unusual.
8 Quiet Pet Birds Perfect for Peaceful Homes
Cockatoo
![Umbrella cockatoo holding up foot]
Cockatoos are generally affectionate birds capable of producing ear-splitting chirps that not everyone can tolerate. In the wild, these vocalizations are necessary for survival, allowing birds to find mates and alert flock members to danger. In captivity, cockatoos often bond strongly with their caretakers and may loudly vocalize for attention.
Species Overview Length: 18 inches Weight: 16 to 26 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Primarily white plumage; pale yellow on wings and tail; large white crest; black beak (umbrella cockatoo)
Species Overview
Length: 18 inches Weight: 16 to 26 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Primarily white plumage; pale yellow on wings and tail; large white crest; black beak (umbrella cockatoo)
Macaw
![Macaw]
In the wild, macaws travel up to 500 miles a day, using loud contact calls to stay in touch with flock mates. This can result in significant noise in captivity, which may become excessive. However, macaws are quite intelligent and can learn tricks and speak, making them fun and playful pets.
Species Overview Length: 30 to 36 inches Weight: 28 to 46 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Green forehead fading into teal on nape, back, tail, and wings; yellow chest and underside of wings; large black beak (blue-and-gold macaw)
Species Overview
Length: 30 to 36 inches Weight: 28 to 46 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Green forehead fading into teal on nape, back, tail, and wings; yellow chest and underside of wings; large black beak (blue-and-gold macaw)
Eclectus
![Eclectus pair on branch]
Eclectus parrots are generally easygoing birds that thrive on interacting with their caretakers. They don't constantly make noise but have a distinctive loud honk that can be startling. Some of these birds also have jealous tendencies if they feel ignored and might loudly express their displeasure.
Species Overview Length: 17 to 20 inchesWeight: 13 to 19 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Primarily emerald green, red and blue under wings, and orange beak (male); primarily bright red, blue on chest and tail, and black beak (female)
Species Overview
Length: 17 to 20 inchesWeight: 13 to 19 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Primarily emerald green, red and blue under wings, and orange beak (male); primarily bright red, blue on chest and tail, and black beak (female)
Amazon Parrot
![Yellow-headed Amazon]
Renowned for their talking ability, Amazon parrots also produce shrill screams that can be piercing to human ears. However, techniques can help curb their screams. Reward the bird with attention and treats when it sits quietly. Avoid adding to the noise by yelling when the bird screams, as this may encourage the behavior.
Species Overview Length: 15 to 17 inchesWeight: 16 to 23 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Green body; yellow head; red at the wing bend; tan beak; white rings around the eyes (double yellow-headed Amazon)
Species Overview
Length: 15 to 17 inchesWeight: 16 to 23 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Green body; yellow head; red at the wing bend; tan beak; white rings around the eyes (double yellow-headed Amazon)
Conure
![Sun conure perching on branch]
Although smaller than many loud parrots, conures can be just as loud. These birds can be heard miles away when they scream, which can cause headaches for caretakers and neighbors. Conures also aren't shy about voicing displeasure. Well-socialized conures are often affectionate birds that thrive with mental and physical stimulation.
Species Overview Length: 12 inchesWeight: 4 to 5 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Bright orange and yellow with highlights of green and blue; black beak and feet; white circles around eyes (sun conure)
Species Overview
Length: 12 inchesWeight: 4 to 5 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Bright orange and yellow with highlights of green and blue; black beak and feet; white circles around eyes (sun conure)
African Grey
![African grey parrot]
African grey parrots are renowned as some of the best talking birds. Challenges arise with their chatter throughout the day. They aren't known for loud screaming, but they can be very loud when they want to be. As highly intelligent birds, they need plenty of games and social interaction to stay entertained. Otherwise, they might vocalize out of boredom.
Species Overview Length: 9 to 14 inchesWeight: 11 to 19 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Mostly gray plumage with pale edging; black beak and bright red tail (Congo African grey); tan upper beak and maroon tail (Timneh African grey)
Species Overview
Length: 9 to 14 inchesWeight: 11 to 19 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Mostly gray plumage with pale edging; black beak and bright red tail (Congo African grey); tan upper beak and maroon tail (Timneh African grey)
Lorikeet
![two rainbow lorikeets]
Lorikeets are generally affectionate birds known for their comical antics. They love interacting with their caretakers and require lots of mental and physical activity to stay happy and healthy. Naturally social, they hang out in large groups in the wild, which gives them loud voices to be heard over their flock. Their high-pitched calls and frequent chirps might be too noisy for many homes.
Species Overview Length: 10 to 12 inchesWeight: 3 to 6 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Blue plumage on face and belly; green on wings, back, and head; red breast; yellow and orange highlights on sides; red beak; gray feet (rainbow lorikeet)
Species Overview
Length: 10 to 12 inchesWeight: 3 to 6 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Blue plumage on face and belly; green on wings, back, and head; red breast; yellow and orange highlights on sides; red beak; gray feet (rainbow lorikeet)
Ringneck Parakeet
![Indian ringneck parakeet]
Ringneck parakeets are known for being superb talkers, though some might not appreciate the noise of their incessant practice. They can produce fairly shrill calls, but many ringnecks stick to quieter chatter for most of the day. Typically somewhat aloof, many well-socialized ringnecks bond well with their caretakers.
Species Overview Length: 14 to 17 inchesWeight: 4 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Green plumage; blue tail; yellow under wings; males have black and rose rings around their necks; mutations include blue, cinnamon, albino, and lutino (Indian ringneck)
Species Overview
Length: 14 to 17 inchesWeight: 4 ouncesPhysical Characteristics: Green plumage; blue tail; yellow under wings; males have black and rose rings around their necks; mutations include blue, cinnamon, albino, and lutino (Indian ringneck)