Let’s get this out of the way: I love birds. Always have. But you know what I don’t love? Noise. I’m talking screeching, ear-piercing, 6 AM chaos kind of noise.
That’s why, when I went looking for a feathered friend to share my tiny apartment sanctuary, I went deep—like, YouTube rabbit hole, late-night bird forum deep—into the world of the quietest pet birds.
Because not all birds are loud. Some are peaceful, gentle, soft-voiced companions that won’t wake up your neighbors… or your anxiety.
In this 2025 guide, I’ll walk you through the 15 quietest pet birds that are perfect for people like me (and maybe like you): folks who crave connection and calm.
Why Quiet Matters (Especially in a Small Space)
I live in a shoebox. Okay, it’s technically a “studio apartment with character,” but let’s be real—it’s tiny. And in a space like that, sound echoes. So when I started researching pet birds, my biggest fear was accidentally adopting a squawking fire alarm in feathers.
That’s when I discovered something amazing: the world is full of apartment-friendly birds that don’t make a fuss. Birds that:
- Chirp softly, or not at all
- Don’t scream when they want attention
- Won’t make your neighbors file a noise complaint
If you’ve ever hesitated to bring a bird home because of the noise, this list of quietest pet birds is going to change your life. It definitely changed mine.
About This Item
- 🌟 Limited-Edition CoolBirdie Plush Included
- A unique gift for bird lovers of all ages
- Perfect for birthdays, holidays & special occasions
- Backed by 24/7 customer support & 30-day hassle-free returns
- 📱 World’s First Interactive Birdwatching App – CoolFly
- AI-powered bird ID with real-time species detection
- Share bird videos, get likes/comments, and chat in bird-loving communities
- Explore species traits, sounds, diet, and more
- 🧠 Free Lifetime AI Bird Identification
- Instant alerts when a bird visits
- Automatically saves clips to the Birdhouse tab in-app
- Post to CoolFly Square for community insights & ID help
- 🎥 Stunning 2K HD Color Video + Night Vision
- 3MP camera with 150° wide-angle lens
- Crystal-clear color night vision
- Connects to 2.4GHz Wi-Fi for real-time notifications
- 📹 Auto Record & Share Bird Videos
- Auto cloud recording (500MB free for 2 years)
- Supports up to 128GB MicroSD (not included)
- Share via QR code with friends & family
- 🎁 Ideal Gift for Bird Enthusiasts
- Beautiful packaging for all gifting occasions
- Perfect for pet or wild bird lovers
- Includes CoolFly App access for a complete experience
- 📦 What’s in the Box?
- Smart Bird Feeder with built-in antenna
- CoolBirdie Plush Toy
- Solar Panel + Type-C Charging Cable
- Hose Clips ×2, Black Strap
- Mounting Bracket + Screws
Apartment-Friendly Birds: My Peaceful Pet Discovery
Let me tell you about my first “quiet bird moment.” I was visiting a friend who had a Bourke’s parakeet. This tiny pink puffball sat calmly on her shoulder, occasionally letting out the softest peep you’ve ever heard—like a sleepy whisper.
No squawking. No flapping tantrums. Just a vibe.
That’s when I realized that apartment-friendly birds are totally a thing. They’re perfect for small-space living because:
- They’re content in modest cages (with daily out-of-cage time)
- They adapt to calm environments
- Their calls are soft and melodic, not shrill
And honestly? In a world that’s constantly buzzing and screaming, having a bird that respects the quiet? That’s a gift.
Whether you’re in a condo, a dorm, or a studio like mine, there’s a perfect quiet pet bird out there for you.
What Makes a Bird “Quiet”? Traits to Look For
Before we dive into the list of the quietest pet birds, let’s get real: no bird is completely silent (unless it’s a statue ). Birds communicate. It’s part of their charm. But what separates the loudmouths from the zen masters?
In my experience—and based on a LOT of research—here are the traits that make a bird truly apartment-friendly:
Quiet Bird Qualities:
- Soft chirps or whistles instead of loud squawks
- Low vocal frequency (less piercing)
- Less vocalization during the day
- Content with solo play or independent time
- Small to medium size (smaller lungs = softer sounds)
- Calm disposition—less likely to scream from stress or boredom
So if your vibe is more lo-fi chill beats and less angry toddler with wings, these are the birds you want.
Top 15 Quietest Pet Birds for Apartments & Calm Homes (2025)
Let’s get into it—the real stars of the show. These are the birds I’ve either lived with, spent hours researching, or met through other calm-loving bird parents. 🕊️💚
Each bird below is:
- 🏠 Apartment-friendly
- 🧘 Calm by nature
- 🗣️ Quiet (or at least soft-voiced)
- 🐾 Manageable for beginner bird owners
1. Bourke’s Parakeet – The Sweetheart of Silence
💬 Softest coos I’ve ever heard. Seriously.
These little pastel beauties are as chill as they come. They’re active but not hyper, affectionate but not clingy, and their twilight songs? Magical. Think pink with wings and zero drama.
- ✅ Quiet rating: ★★★★★
- ✅ Size: Small
- ✅ Bonus: Perfect for night owls—they’re most vocal at dusk
- ❗ Needs: Flight time & a calm environment
2. Finch – Gentle Chatterboxes (But Soothing)
Finches don’t talk. They tweet—softly, like a background lullaby. I once fell asleep to a pair of zebra finches in a friend’s flat. It was like nature’s white noise.
- ✅ Quiet rating: ★★★★☆
- ✅ Size: Very small
- ✅ Bonus: Fun to watch in pairs or groups
- ❗ Needs: Larger cage for flying space
3. Canary – Soft Solo Singers
If you like music but don’t want to hear it at full blast, the canary is your guy. Only the males sing, and it’s not loud—it’s melodic and gentle. Think “songbird with a volume knob.”
- ✅ Quiet rating: ★★★★☆
- ✅ Size: Small
- ✅ Bonus: Doesn’t need a companion
- ❗ Needs: Clean cage & sunlight
4. Lineolated Parakeet (Linnie) – Shy, Sweet, and Whispery
Also known as “the whisper parrot,” Linnies are perfect for tight apartments. They make adorable, muted squeaks and love to hang out quietly on your shoulder.
- ✅ Quiet rating: ★★★★★
- ✅ Size: Small
- ✅ Bonus: Super cuddly
- ❗ Needs: Daily interaction
5. Pionus Parrot – Calm, Not Clingy
I once housesat for a Pionus named Luna—she never screamed, not even once. These parrots are ideal for people who want a slightly larger bird without the noise.
- ✅ Quiet rating: ★★★★☆
- ✅ Size: Medium
- ✅ Bonus: Minimal talking, no screaming
- ❗ Needs: Time outside the cage daily
6. Dove – Symbol of Peace for a Reason
Doves don’t squawk. They coo. It’s the gentlest sound you’ll ever hear from a bird, and honestly, it’s therapeutic. Some even say it lowers stress.
- ✅ Quiet rating: ★★★★★
- ✅ Size: Medium
- ✅ Bonus: Easy to tame
- ❗ Needs: Space to walk or flap indoors
7. Budgerigar (Budgie) – Tiny, Chatty, But Not Loud
Budgies do “talk,” but it’s soft and mumbly—think bird ASMR. They’re playful, cheap to care for, and ridiculously cute. Perfect for apartment dwellers who want personality without the volume.
- ✅ Quiet rating: ★★★☆☆
- ✅ Size: Small
- ✅ Bonus: Can learn tricks & words
- ❗ Needs: Mental stimulation daily
8. Pacific Parrotlet – Quiet but Sassy
Don’t let their tiny size fool you—they’ve got attitude, but not in a loud way. Their chirps are faint, and they’re super fun to train.
- ✅ Quiet rating: ★★★★☆
- ✅ Size: Very small
- ✅ Bonus: Great for tiny apartments
- ❗ Needs: Strong personality match
9. Rosy Bourke’s Parakeet – A Pink Cloud of Calm
Imagine a cotton candy cloud with wings—that’s what a Rosy Bourke’s Parakeet feels like. They’re cousins of the regular Bourke’s but even more mellow (if that’s possible). These little sweethearts are perfect for night owls or people who need a soft companion with no chaos.
- ✅ Quiet rating: ★★★★★
- ✅ Size: Small
- ✅ Why I love them: They chirp like a dream at dusk and barely make a sound during the day.
- ❗ Needs: A little extra warmth and love, but they’re not demanding.
10. Red-Rumped Parakeet – A Pop of Color Without the Noise
Okay, confession: I only found out about these when someone DM’d me a photo of theirs perched on a curtain rod like a jewel. These birds are gorgeous—bright green with a fiery red rump—and surprisingly quiet for a parakeet.
- ✅ Quiet rating: ★★★★☆
- ✅ Size: Small
- ✅ Why it works for apartments: They’re not screamers, even when active.
- ❗ Watch out: They need space to fly—great for people who let their birds free-fly indoors (safely, of course).
11. Cockatiel (Female) – The Whispering Whistler
Now, males are the singers of the cockatiel world—so if you’re going quiet, I highly recommend a female cockatiel. I raised one named Luna, and the loudest she ever got was a gentle peep when I was late with breakfast.
- ✅ Quiet rating: ★★★☆☆
- ✅ Size: Small
- ✅ Why I love them: Sweet-natured, good with routines, and love gentle head scratches.
- ❗ Tip: Give them plenty of stimulation or they’ll call out for attention (gently, though).
12. Eclectus Parrot (Female) – Calm Beauty With a Gentle Voice
You’d think a bird this beautiful would have diva energy, right? Not the female Eclectus. Unlike most parrot species, they don’t scream—they chirp softly and observe quietly. Their intelligence is incredible, but their voice? Whisper-light.
- ✅ Quiet rating: ★★★☆☆
- ✅ Size: Medium
- ✅ Why they stand out: Exotic, elegant, and low-drama.
- ❗ Heads up: Needs a varied diet (fresh fruits, veggies—no junk).
13. Senegal Parrot – The Hidden Gem of Quiet Birds
Ah yes, the Senegal Parrot—one of those birds that rarely gets the spotlight, but deserves it. These guys are quiet by parrot standards, and with proper bonding, they become one-person birds in the sweetest way.
- ✅ Quiet rating: ★★★☆☆
- ✅ Size: Medium
- ✅ Why I recommend them: Not chatty, not scream-y, just calm observers of life.
- ❗ Caution: Needs time to build trust, but once it’s there—wow.
14. Lovebird (Single Only) – Tiny but Manageable
Okay, this one’s controversial, so hear me out. Lovebirds in pairs = LOUD. But single lovebirds (who bond with you) are much more manageable. I had one named Kiwi, and while she was spicy, she rarely made more than squeaky little beeps.
- ✅ Quiet rating: ★★☆☆☆
- ✅ Size: Small
- ✅ Why it’s an option: If you want energy without ear-blasting screeches, a single, well-socialized lovebird can work.
- ❗ Watch out: Needs daily handling or they get grumpy.
15. American Parakeet (aka Budgie Variant) – The Starter Bird Done Right
Budgies get a second mention here because American Budgies (the smaller kind) are often quieter than their English cousins. These are the birds most people start with—and for good reason.
- ✅ Quiet rating: ★★★☆☆
- ✅ Size: Small
- ✅ Why people love them: Easy to tame, cheerful, soft chatter only.
- ❗ Tip: Stick to one or two max—groups can get noisy!
RELATED : Best Dog Coats For Winter 2025? 7 Vet-Approved Tips to Keep Your Dog Warm & Safe
🧠 Final Thought: Choose Calm, Choose Connection
After meeting so many birds, I’ve realized one thing: quiet isn’t boring. It’s intentional. Peaceful birds bring a kind of connection that isn’t based on noise—but on trust, eye contact, gentle presence.
So if you’re like me—someone who craves soft companionship, soothing sounds, and a stress-free home—then one of these 15 quietest pet birds might just be your soulmate in feathers 🕊️💛
15 Quietest Pet Birds for Apartments & Calm Homes (2025)
| 🐦 Bird Name | 🧘 Noise Level | 🤝 Personality | 📏 Size | 🏠 Apartment-Friendly? | 💬 Special Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bourke’s Parakeet | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Calm, cuddly | Small | ✅ Yes | Active at dusk, whisper chirps |
| Finch | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Social (in pairs) | Very small | ✅ Yes | Needs wider cage to fly |
| Canary | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Independent | Small | ✅ Yes | Male sings softly, great alone |
| Lineolated Parakeet | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Gentle, sweet | Small | ✅ Yes | Great shoulder companion |
| Pionus Parrot | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Calm, low-key | Medium | ✅ Yes | Not a talker, very mellow |
| Dove | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Peaceful, affectionate | Medium | ✅ Yes | Soft coos, very quiet |
| Budgerigar (Budgie) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Playful, friendly | Small | ✅ Yes | Gentle chatter, very popular |
| Pacific Parrotlet | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Bold, feisty | Very small | ✅ Yes | Quiet but needs handling |
| Cockatiel | ⭐⭐ | Sweet, expressive | Small | ✅ Yes (with care) | Can be whistly, especially males |
| Rosy Bourke’s | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Docile, kind | Small | ✅ Yes | Rare but ideal for quiet homes |
| Red-Rumped Parakeet | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Cheerful, mellow | Small | ✅ Yes | Active, needs space to fly |
| Eclectus (Female) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Quiet, watchful | Medium | 🟡 Maybe (with space) | Needs enrichment but not loud |
| Senegal Parrot | ⭐⭐⭐ | Gentle, observant | Medium | ✅ Yes | Quiet for a parrot, great solo bird |
| Lovebird (Single) | ⭐⭐ | Energetic, bonded | Small | 🟡 Maybe (with time) | Can be quiet if alone & trained |
| Parakeet (American) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Social, vocal | Small | ✅ Yes | Chirpy but manageable |
🌿 Caring for Quiet Pet Birds in Apartments
Let’s talk about the real-world stuff that matters: how do you keep your quiet bird… quiet? Because even calm birds can get cranky if their needs aren’t met.
🧡 My top tips:
- Give them enough sleep (birds need 10–12 hours of darkness)
- Keep them stimulated with toys and natural light
- Avoid loud noises (TV blasting, clanging dishes, etc.)
- Don’t yell at them (they’ll learn to match your tone)
You’d be surprised how many “noisy” birds are just stressed birds. Calm environment = calm bird.
And for the record: yes, I once had to cover a cage with a Harry Potter scarf to simulate nighttime… in the middle of the day. Totally worth it.
❌ Birds You Shouldn’t Get If You Love Peace & Quiet
I learned this the hard way at a rescue center. Someone dropped off a beautiful Cockatoo named Blaze. Stunning feathers. Horrifying volume. One scream sent a barista next door into fight-or-flight mode.
So here’s my personal Do Not Recommend (for quiet homes) list:
- 🦜 Cockatoos (screaming champs)
- 🦜 Macaws (gorgeous but LOUD)
- 🦜 Sun Conures (literal alarm clocks)
- 🦜 African Greys (smart but vocal)
They’re amazing birds—but not if you want calm.
❓ FAQs About Quietest Pet Birds & Apartment-Friendly Birds
🧠 What is the quietest pet bird you can own?
Answer: Bourke’s parakeets and doves are among the quietest. Their voices are soft and soothing, perfect for peaceful homes.
🧠 Can I keep a bird in a small apartment?
Answer: Absolutely. Many apartment-friendly birds like finches, budgies, and Linnies do well in smaller spaces as long as they get daily attention and light.
🧠 Are parrots always loud?
Answer: Not all! Parrotlets and Pionus parrots are much quieter than larger parrot species. It’s all about personality and care.
🧠 Do quiet birds still need social time?
Answer: Yes. Quiet doesn’t mean antisocial. Most birds thrive with interaction—even if it’s just a daily shoulder cuddle.
