When most people think of getting a pet bird, they imagine a tiny ball of feathers that sings in the background, doesn’t make a mess, and politely flaps around its cage from time to time. The truth? Small pet birds might be tiny in stature, but they’re bursting with personality—and each species brings its own unique charm (and, yes, some noise) into your life.
Small bird breeds tend to be easier to care for than their larger parrot cousins, making them a great choice for beginners or families who want a feathered friend without the massive commitment of a macaw. That said, they’re not exactly low maintenance. These birds need social interaction, mental stimulation, and enough room to move around—especially if they’re spending most of their time in a cage.
Let’s explore eight of the best small pet birds for families, individuals, and anyone looking to add a splash of color and song to their lives.
What to Know Before Choosing a Small Pet Bird
Before we dive into the list, here are a few quick things to consider:
- Small doesn’t mean no responsibility—these birds can live 5–20 years or more depending on the species.
- Some birds need companions, others bond better with humans.
- Many are not hands-on pets and prefer being admired rather than cuddled.
- Cage size and enrichment matter more than most people realize.
- Every bird has its own “voice”—some sing beautifully, others squawk with gusto.
Now, let’s meet the top contenders for your new feathered friend.
1. Canary
Known for their sweet, melodic songs, canaries are classic solo performers. While not particularly cuddly, their voice and vibrant feathers bring beauty to any space. These birds prefer being alone, especially the males (who are also the best singers), and usually don’t get along well with cage mates.
Fun Fact: Male canaries sing to attract mates—even if the “mate” is just their own reflection.
Best For: People who love birdsong but prefer a hands-off pet
Care Note: They’re prone to obesity, so diet and flight time are key.
Species Snapshot:
- Length: 5–8 inches
- Weight: 0.5–1 oz
- Personality: Musical, independent, easygoing
2. Finch
Finches are like the introverts of the bird world—sweet, quiet, and happiest when left to socialize with their own kind. These little birds aren’t the cuddly type, but they’re fascinating to watch as they flit about and chirp their gentle songs. They’re ideal for those who want the joy of bird companionship without needing to handle their pets daily.
Popular Varieties: Zebra Finch, Gouldian Finch, Society Finch
Fun Fact: Gouldian finches come in an almost neon array of colors, making them one of the most visually striking small birds.
Best For: Birdwatchers, quiet homes, multi-bird households
Cage Tip: Opt for a wide cage over a tall one so they can fly horizontally.
Species Snapshot:
- Length: 4 inches
- Weight: ~0.5 oz
- Personality: Timid, social (with other birds), low-maintenance
3. Budgerigar (Budgie/Parakeet)
The budgie is one of the most popular pet birds in the world—and for good reason. These chatty little parrots are bursting with personality and intelligence. They can learn tricks, mimic sounds, and even pick up a few words if you’re consistent with training. Plus, their variety of colors makes each one unique.
Fun Fact: Budgies are capable of learning more words than most other parrots (yes, even the big ones!).
Best For: First-time bird owners, kids (with supervision), talkative households
Enrichment Tip: Rotate toys regularly—they get bored fast!
Species Snapshot:
- Length: 6–8 inches
- Weight: 1 oz
- Personality: Playful, intelligent, affectionate
4. Bourke’s Parakeet
Gentle, quiet, and sweet-natured, Bourke’s parakeets are perfect for people who want a bird but not the constant chatter. These dusk-loving birds are most active during early mornings and evenings, making them great companions for relaxed households.
Fun Fact: They’re one of the few parakeets with a calm, almost meditative temperament.
Best For: Calm homes, people with varying schedules
Pro Tip: They love natural sunlight—just be sure there’s shade available too.
Species Snapshot:
- Length: 7–9 inches
- Weight: 2 oz
- Personality: Laid-back, affectionate, quiet
5. Parrotlet
Don’t be fooled by their tiny size—parrotlets have HUGE personalities. They’re like the spicy firecrackers of the bird world. With proper socialization, they’re incredibly loving, but if ignored, they can become aggressive and nippy. These birds need daily out-of-cage time and plenty of attention to thrive.
Fun Fact: Parrotlets are often called “pocket parrots” for their small size but big attitude.
Best For: Experienced bird owners, people looking for a bold companion
Watch Out: They’re fiercely territorial about their cages.
Species Snapshot:
- Length: 4–5 inches
- Weight: 1 oz
- Personality: Bold, intelligent, energetic
6. Lovebird
Lovebirds live up to their name. While they thrive in pairs, a single bird can form a deep bond with its human caretaker. They’re curious, smart, and full of energy. But neglect them, and they can become loud, bitey, or even depressed.
Popular Types: Peach-faced, Fischer’s, and Masked Lovebirds
Fun Fact: They preen their mates (or humans!) to show affection.
Best For: Active homes, hands-on bird owners
Behavior Note: Early training is key to preventing aggression.
Species Snapshot:
- Length: 5–7 inches
- Weight: 2 oz
- Personality: Devoted, vocal, feisty
7. Cockatiel
The cockatiel is a fan favorite for good reason. These gentle Australian birds are affectionate, easily trained, and full of personality. While not big talkers, they’re excellent whistlers and can even mimic household sounds (hello, microwave beeps!). With their charming crests and expressive cheeks, cockatiels make wonderful family pets.
Fun Fact: They communicate emotion through their crest—straight up means curious, flattened means annoyed.
Best For: Families, beginners, people wanting a friendly bird
Care Tip: Regular out-of-cage time makes them even more bonded.
Species Snapshot:
- Length: 12–13 inches
- Weight: ~3 oz
- Personality: Friendly, trainable, loving
8. Green-Cheeked Conure
If you’re looking for a clown in feathered form, the green-cheeked conure is your bird. These parrots are playful, affectionate, and known for their acrobatic antics. They’re quieter than other conures, but still vocal and active. A bored conure is a destructive conure, so be prepared to keep them engaged.
Fun Fact: They love to hang upside down just for fun.
Best For: Active households, people who want interactive pets
Important Note: They’re prone to feather plucking if lonely or bored.
Species Snapshot:
- Length: 10–11 inches
- Weight: 2–3 oz
- Personality: Goofy, cuddly, smart
Final Thoughts: Which Small Pet Bird Is Right for You?
Each bird on this list has its own unique set of needs and quirks. Some are perfect for those who just want a companion to observe, while others demand daily interaction and attention. The right bird for you depends on your lifestyle, the amount of time you can dedicate, and what you’re looking for in a feathered friend.
No matter which one you choose, remember this: small bird breeds may not take up much space, but they’ll take up a big place in your heart.