Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t have a pet bird! While some birds require large aviaries and lots of space, many species adapt well to smaller living environments. The best apartment-friendly birds are typically quiet, small to medium-sized, and easy to care for. If you’re looking for a feathered friend to brighten up your home, here are the top 7 apartment-friendly birds you should consider!
1. Budgerigar (Budgie / Parakeet)
Size: 6–8 inches
Noise Level: Low to moderate
Lifespan: 7–15 years
Budgies are one of the most popular pet birds in the world—and for good reason! They are small, intelligent, and easy to care for. Budgies don’t need a huge cage, making them perfect for apartments.
Why They’re Apartment-Friendly:
✔ Quiet chirping and chattering (less noisy than larger parrots)
✔ Highly trainable—can learn tricks and even talk!
✔ Affordable and low-maintenance
Tip: Give your budgie plenty of toys and out-of-cage time to prevent boredom.
2. Cockatiel
Size: 12–13 inches
Noise Level: Moderate (whistling, occasional calls)
Lifespan: 15–25 years
Cockatiels are friendly, affectionate birds that love interacting with their owners. While they can be vocal, their sounds are mostly gentle whistles and chirps, making them a great option for apartments.
Why They’re Apartment-Friendly:
✔ Playful and cuddly—enjoy head scratches and social time
✔ Can learn to whistle songs and mimic sounds
✔ Adapt well to smaller living spaces
Tip: If you have a male cockatiel, expect more whistling and singing, while females tend to be quieter.
3. Parrotlet
Size: 4–5 inches
Noise Level: Low
Lifespan: 15–20 years
Parrotlets may be tiny, but they have big personalities! They are often compared to mini parrots because of their intelligence and playful nature.
Why They’re Apartment-Friendly:
✔ Very quiet compared to larger parrots
✔ Small size means they don’t need a huge cage
✔ Independent but still affectionate
Tip: Parrotlets can get nippy if not handled regularly, so daily interaction is key!
4. Canaries
Size: 4–5 inches
Noise Level: Low (except for singing males)
Lifespan: 10–15 years
If you prefer a beautiful, low-maintenance bird, a canary might be perfect for you! These birds don’t need much human interaction and are content to sing and flutter around their cage.
Why They’re Apartment-Friendly:
✔ Low-maintenance—don’t require much handling
✔ Soft, pleasant singing (males only)
✔ Small and easy to care for
Tip: If you want a quieter canary, choose a female, as they don’t sing like males do.
5. Finch
Size: 3–5 inches
Noise Level: Low (soft chirping)
Lifespan: 5–10 years
Finches are delicate, social birds that do best in pairs or small groups. They are not as interactive as parrots, but they are fun to watch and require minimal human attention.
Why They’re Apartment-Friendly:
✔ Soft chirping instead of loud squawking
✔ Low-maintenance—don’t require training or handling
✔ Small and can live in compact cages
Tip: Always keep finches in pairs or groups, as they thrive on social interaction with their own kind.
6. Lovebird
Size: 5–7 inches
Noise Level: Moderate
Lifespan: 10–15 years
Lovebirds are small, affectionate parrots that form strong bonds with their owners. They are playful and intelligent but require daily interaction to stay happy.
Why They’re Apartment-Friendly:
✔ Small size makes them suitable for limited spaces
✔ Can be trained to do tricks and bond closely with humans
✔ Less noisy than larger parrots
Tip: While lovebirds don’t need to be kept in pairs, a single lovebird will need lots of attention from you!
7. Pionus Parrot
Size: 10–12 inches
Noise Level: Low
Lifespan: 25–40 years
If you want a medium-sized parrot that isn’t loud, the Pionus is a great choice! Unlike other parrots, they are quiet, gentle, and affectionate without being overly demanding.
Why They’re Apartment-Friendly:
✔ One of the quietest parrot species
✔ Loyal, affectionate, but independent
✔ Not as destructive as some larger parrots
Tip: Pionus parrots love routine—try to keep a consistent feeding and playtime schedule.
Final Thoughts
If you live in an apartment, choosing the right bird is essential to ensure both you and your pet are happy. The best apartment-friendly birds are small, relatively quiet, and adaptable to indoor living.
Top Picks Based on Lifestyle:
- Best for Beginners: Budgies & Finches
- Best for Companionship: Cockatiels & Lovebirds
- Best for Quiet Homes: Canaries & Pionus Parrots
- Best for Independent Owners: Finches & Canaries
No matter which bird you choose, proper care, love, and attention will ensure a happy and healthy life for your new feathered friend!
Which bird would you love to have in your apartment? Let me know in the comments!
