8 Top Loudest Parrots Often Kept as Pets

By
Alyson Kalhagen
Alyson Kalhagen
Alyson Kalhagen is an avian expert and writer with more than 10 years of combined professional experience as a veterinary technician and manager of a chain of successful pet stores. Her specialty is in avian behavior and socialization. Alyson owns several birds and has been featured in Bird Talk Magazine.
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Updated on 11/04/19
Ringneck Parakeet
1699226 / Getty Images

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 otherwise unhappy. Consult a veterinarian if your bird’s noise level seems out of the ordinary.

8 Top Quiet Pet Bird Species
  • 01 of 08

    Cockatoo

    Umbrella cockatoo holding up foot
    Arthur Morris/Getty Images

    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, enabling birds to find their mates and alert flock members to danger. In captivity, cockatoos tend to bond strongly with their caretakers and might loudly vocalize for attention.

    Species Overview

    Length: 18 inches 

    Weight: 16 to 26 ounces

    Physical Characteristics: Primarily white plumage; pale yellow on wings and tail; large white crest; black beak (umbrella cockatoo)

  • 02 of 08

    Macaw

    Macaw

    aaa/Getty Images

    In the wild, macaws might travel up to 500 miles a day, using their loud contact calls to keep in touch with flock mates. This translates to considerable noise in captivity, which can get excessive. However, macaws also are quite intelligent and can learn tricks and how to talk, making them fun and playful pets.

    Species Overview

    Length: 30 to 36 inches 

    Weight: 28 to 46 ounces

    Physical 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)

  • 03 of 08

    Eclectus

    Eclectus pair on branch
    Ang Hwee Yong/Getty Images

    Eclectus parrots are generally easygoing birds that thrive on interacting with their caretakers. They don’t tend to make noise constantly, but they do have a distinctive loud honk that can be startling. Some of these birds also have jealous tendencies if they feel like they’re being ignored, and they might loudly voice their displeasure. 

    Species Overview

    Length: 17 to 20 inches

    Weight: 13 to 19 ounces

    Physical 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)

  • 04 of 08

    Amazon Parrot

    Yellow-headed Amazon

    Daniela Duncan/Getty Images

    While they are noted for their talking ability, Amazon parrots have another trick: They can produce shrill screams in frequencies that seem to cut right through human ears. That said, there are techniques to help curb their screams. Try rewarding the bird with attention and treats when it's sitting quietly. Also, avoid adding to the noise with your own yelling when the bird is screaming, as this might encourage the behavior.

    Species Overview

    Length: 15 to 17 inches

    Weight: 16 to 23 ounces

    Physical Characteristics: Green body; yellow head; red at the wing bend; tan beak; white rings around the eyes (double yellow-headed Amazon)

    Continue to 5 of 8 below.
  • 05 of 08

    Conure

    Sun conure perching on branch

    Oon Sh/EyeEm/Getty Images

    While they are considerably smaller than many loud parrots, conures can be every bit as loud. These birds can be heard miles away when they scream, which can cause headaches among caretakers and neighbors. Conures also aren’t shy about letting you know with their voices when something displeases them. But well-socialized conures often are affectionate birds that thrive with enough mental and physical stimulation.

    Species Overview

    Length: 12 inches

    Weight: 4 to 5 ounces

    Physical Characteristics: Bright orange and yellow with highlights of green and blue; black beak and feet; white circles around eyes (sun conure)

  • 06 of 08

    African Grey

    African grey parrot
    Guo Ya Hui/EyeEm/Getty Images

    African grey parrots have a reputation as some of the best talking birds. It's what goes on behind the scenes that can cause a problem. Although these birds aren’t known as loud screamers, they do have a tendency to chatter throughout the day. And they can be very loud when they want. As highly intelligent birds, they need plenty of games and socialization to keep them entertained. Otherwise, they might vocalize out of boredom.

    Species Overview

    Length: 9 to 14 inches

    Weight: 11 to 19 ounces

    Physical 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)

  • 07 of 08

    Lorikeet

    two rainbow lorikeets

    Bob Charlton/Getty Images

    Lorikeets are generally affectionate birds known for their comical antics. They love to interact with their caretakers and require lots of mental and physical activity to keep them happy and healthy. Because they're naturally social birds that hang out in large groups in the wild, they have 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 inches

    Weight: 3 to 6 ounces

    Physical 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)

  • 08 of 08

    Ringneck Parakeet

    Indian ringneck parakeet

    Leandro Vettorazzi Gabrieli/Getty Images

    Ringneck parakeets are known for being superb talkers, yet some people might not appreciate the noise of them incessantly practicing words. They have the ability to make fairly shrill calls, but many ringnecks stick to quieter chatter for most of the day. They typically are somewhat aloof, though many well-socialized ringnecks bond well with their caretakers. 

    Species Overview

    Length: 14 to 17 inches

    Weight: 4 ounces

    Physical 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)

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