10 Small Pet Birds That Are Perfect For Beginners

• Length: 4 to 7 inches
• Weight: 0.25 to 1 ounces
• Scientific Name: Taeniopygia guttata, Erythrura gouldiae

Finches can make wonderful pets for people who are looking for small, colorful, and relatively easy-to-care-for birds. They are known for their cheerful songs and their active personalities. They are quite companions and generally not as interactive with humans as some other pet birds like parrots.

They need a spacious cage that is at least 18 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 18 inches high. The cage should have plenty of perches of different sizes and shapes, as well as toys to keep them entertained. Finches are social birds, so it is best to keep them in pairs or small groups.

• Length: 5-6 inches
• Weight: 0.5 to 1 ounce
• Scientific Name: Serinus canaria

Canaries make great pets for beginners due to their relatively low maintenance requirements and pleasant singing. These colorful birds are also relatively inexpensive to purchase and care for. They are small birds, but they do appreciate space to fly. A spacious cage with horizontal bars for climbing is ideal. 

One of the main attractions of canaries is their beautiful and melodious song. If you're interested in a bird that can provide musical entertainment, canaries are an excellent choice. Male canaries are known for their singing, while females usually don't sing as much.

• Length: 4-5 inches
• Weight: Around 28-35 grams
• Scientific Name: Forpus coelestis

The Pacific Parrotlet, also known as Lesson's parrotlet, or the celestial parrotlet, is a vibrant parrot type native to tropical regions of South America and Central America. They are one of the smallest parrot species commonly kept as pets.

Parrotlets are intelligent birds and can learn tricks and commands with positive reinforcement training. They also benefit from mental stimulation, so providing toys, puzzles, and opportunities for exploration is important. They are impressive mimics and can learn to mimic a variety of sounds, including whistles, human speech, and even melodies.

• Length: About 7 inches
• Weight: Around 30-40 grams
• Scientific Name: Melopsittacus undulatus

Budgerigars, also known as budgies or parakeets, are small, colorful parrots native to Australia. They are popular pets due to their cheerful disposition, ease of care, and relatively low cost. They are ideal for beginners as they are pretty friendly and low-maintanence.

For better care, they need a spacious cage that is at least 18 inches long, 12 inches wide, and 18 inches high. The cage should have plenty of perches of different sizes and shapes, as well as toys to keep them entertained. They are intelligent birds and can be trained to perform tricks, mimic sounds, and even some words or phrases.

• Length: About 5-7 inches
• Weight: Varies by species
• Scientific Name: Agapornis spp. (various species)

Lovebirds are a popular choice for pet birds due to their affectionate nature, playful personalities, and relatively small size. However, they do require a bit more care and attention than some other small bird species, such as budgerigars or finches. They are highly social birds and thrive on interaction with their owners.

It's often recommended to keep them in pairs to satisfy their need for companionship. If you decide to keep a single lovebird, you'll need to spend a significant amount of time interacting with it to prevent loneliness.

They are small, but they are active birds and require a relatively spacious cage. The cage should be large enough to allow for movement, exercise, and the inclusion of toys and perches. Make sure the bars are close enough together to prevent escapes.

• Length: About 7-9 inches
• Weight: Around 45-65 grams
• Scientific Name: Neopsephotus bourkii

Bourke's Parakeets are small to medium-sized parrots. They have a soft, pastel coloration, including shades of pink, brown, and blue. Their calm and quiet demeanor makes them appealing to many bird enthusiasts. These colorful parrots are native to Australia.

They are not as boisterous as some other parrot species, and they are relatively quiet. They are also social creatures and enjoy interacting with their owners. Bourke's Parakeets enjoy flying, so a wide cage is beneficial.

• Length: About 7 inches
• Weight: Around 1-2 ounces
• Scientific Name: Geopelia cuneata

Diamond Doves are small, charming birds native to New Guinea and Australia. They are known for their beautiful plumage. These smallest dove species have a soft, delicate appearance with predominantly grayish-blue plumage, and distinct white spots on their wings that resemble diamonds.

They are generally social birds, and they are often kept in pairs. They can also be kept in small groups, but care should be taken to ensure that they get along well. They are ground feeders and primarily eat a seed-based diet. They are relatively quiet compared to some other pet birds, making them suitable for apartment living. Their soft cooing sounds are gentle and soothing.

• Length: About 10 inches
• Weight: Around 60-80 grams
• Scientific Name: Pyrrhura molinae

Green-Cheeked conures (parakeets) are popular pet birds known for their playful and affectionate nature. They have a predominantly green plumage, a dark cap on their heads, and distinctive red feathers on their cheeks. There are also different color mutations available, including yellow-sided, pineapple, cinnamon, and turquoise.

Many Green-Cheeked Conures enjoy cuddling and being handled, making them suitable for those who enjoy hands-on interaction with their pets. These active birds benefit from regular out-of-cage playtime. They are among the most talented talking birds, capable of learning and replicating a wide range of sounds. They can mimic human speech, whistles, melodies, and even sounds from their environment, such as doorbells and phone rings.

• Length: About 4 inches
• Weight: Around 20-30 grams
• Scientific Name: Coturnix chinensis

Button quails, also known as Chinese painted quails, are yet another beautiful small bird native to Asia. These ground-dwelling birds are kept as pets for their unique appearance and interesting behavior. They have a plump body, short legs, and a short tail. These birds come in various color mutations, including browns, grays, and whites.

Button Quail are omnivores and eat a varied diet that includes high-quality quail or game bird feed, small seeds, insects, and fresh greens. They are sensitive to temperature extremes. Ensure that their living environment is within a comfortable temperature range, avoiding drafts and direct sunlight.

• Length: About 9-13 inches
• Weight: Around 150-170 grams
• Scientific Name: Pionites spp. (various species)

Caiques can make wonderful and entertaining companions for individuals or families who are willing to invest time and effort into their care. Their lively and outgoing personalities make them a favorite among bird enthusiasts. However, potential owners should be prepared for their energetic nature and be committed to meeting their social and mental needs.

There are two species of Caiques commonly kept as pets: the Black-headed Caique (Pionites melanocephalus) and the White-bellied Caique (Pionites leucogaster). These green-colored parrots have bright green plumage, a white belly, and either a black (Black-headed Caique) or yellow-orange (White-bellied Caique) head.