Best Pet Birds for Beginners: Top 5 Friendly & Low-Maintenance Choices
Are you thinking about bringing a feathered friend into your home for the first time? At Exotic Parrot Shop Australia, we know that choosing the right bird is the key to a rewarding and joyful pet ownership experience. Whether you’re looking for a quiet companion, a chirpy talker, or a colorful entertainer, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s our expert guide to the best birds for beginners – low-maintenance, friendly, and fun to own!
Budgie – The Perfect Starter Bird
Also known as budgerigars or parakeets, budgies are the #1 choice for first-time bird owners. These pint-sized parrots are:
Easy to care for
Affectionate and gentle
Budget-friendly
Fun and social
Budgies love to whistle, sing, and can even learn to talk with practice! While their speech may be less clear than larger parrots, their personality more than makes up for it.
Lifespan: 7–15 years
Ideal for: Kids, beginners, small spaces
Pro tip: Budgies thrive in pairs—consider getting two for double the joy!
Finch – Watch, Don’t Touch
Finches are perfect if you enjoy watching your birds more than handling them. These tiny, active birds are happiest in groups and don’t require much personal interaction.
Popular types include:
Zebra Finches
Society Finches
Canaries (also technically finches)
They have strong, conical beaks and love to fly and flutter around their cage. Finches are low-noise, low-fuss birds that bring liveliness to any room.
Lifespan: Up to 10 years
Ideal for: Quiet homes, bird watchers, beginner adults
Tip: Always keep finches in pairs or small groups—they’re flock birds by nature!
Cockatiel – Your Whistling Aussie Companion
Friendly, charming, and a little cheeky, the cockatiel is an Aussie favorite. These medium-sized parrots are:
Very social
Playful and smart
Capable of mimicking whistles and everyday sounds
While cockatiels can learn to talk, they’re more likely to copy sounds like your phone ringtone or microwave beep! They love toys, attention, and exploring their surroundings.
Lifespan: Up to 20 years
Ideal for: Social owners, families, singles
Reminder: Make sure they have a large enough cage to flap their wings freely.
Dove or Pigeon – Calm, Gentle, and Surprisingly Smart
Often overlooked, doves and pigeons are gentle, affectionate birds that make excellent beginner pets. They’re soft-voiced, low maintenance, and easy to tame with time.
Despite their simplicity, doves and pigeons form strong bonds with their humans and thrive on gentle affection.
Lifespan: 10–15 years (some breeds longer)
Ideal for: Calm households, seniors, first-time owners
Fun Fact: Pigeons are among the most intelligent birds on Earth!
Lovebird – Small Bird, Big Personality
Don’t let their size fool you—lovebirds are small parrots with huge personalities! Known for their bright colors and energetic behavior, they’re affectionate and loyal when hand-raised properly.
Lovebirds are also:
Very active and curious
Slightly territorial (especially if not handled young)
Less noisy than other parrots, but can chirp and screech when excited
Lifespan: Up to 15 years
Ideal for: Experienced beginners, singles, couples
Essential tip: Provide toys and daily interaction to keep them happy!
Ready to Find Your First Feathered Friend?
At Exotic Parrot Shop Australia, we offer a hand-picked selection of beginner-friendly birds, expert advice, and top-quality cages and accessories to help you get started on your bird-loving journey.
Whether you’re drawn to the talkative budgie, the calm finch, or the outgoing cockatiel, we’re here to help you choose the right companion for your lifestyle.
Visit our website or contact us today to find your perfect match!