10 Surprising Bird Species That Can Learn to Talk

Think parrots are the only chatterboxes in the sky? Think again. While they dominate the bird linguistics scene, there’s a whole flock of other feathered phonemes capable of mimicking human speech—and sometimes even holding a cheeky conversation.

These birds may not replace your smart speaker, but they sure can surprise you with their vocabulary, tone, and sense of humor. Here are the unexpected avian talkers who might just spill your secrets one day.

African Grey Parrot

No surprises here—African Greys are the gold standard of bird talkers. With vocabularies in the hundreds and freakishly accurate mimicry, they’re basically feathered voice recorders with a knack for sarcasm and sound effects.

Budgerigar (Budgie)

Tiny but mighty, budgies are known to rival parrots in word count. They’re enthusiastic learners and love practicing when no one’s watching. Don’t underestimate the small guy—he might be whispering gossip behind your back.

Hill Myna

Often mistaken for parrots, Hill Mynas have incredibly clear, almost robotic speech. Native to South Asia, they can mimic pitch, tone, and inflection with eerie precision—making you do a double-take mid-conversation.

Yellow-Naped Amazon

These bright green parrots are social butterflies with a gift for gab. They pick up words quickly and often use them in context—especially if it means getting a snack or commanding attention.

Eclectus Parrot

Eclectus parrots are visual showstoppers—and verbal ones too. Males and females look completely different, but both sexes are capable of learning phrases, singing songs, and making you laugh mid-lecture.

Indian Ringneck Parakeet

Indian Ringnecks are charming mimics with a mischievous streak. They love repeating short phrases in surprisingly clear tones, often paired with dramatic head bobs and sassy side-eye that would rival a teenager.

Blue-Fronted Amazon

These vibrant Amazons are known for their boisterous, talkative personalities. They’re excellent at picking up conversational speech and random household noises—just don’t be surprised if your microwave starts “talking” back.

Quaker Parrot (Monk Parakeet)

With big personalities and impressive vocal skills, Quaker Parrots love to chat. They form strong bonds with humans and often build up a quirky vocabulary of their own—complete with personal catchphrases.

Cockatoo

Cockatoos are loud, proud, and occasionally rude—just the way we like them. While not the clearest speakers, their enthusiasm for mimicry makes up for it. If your house suddenly echoes laughter, it might be the bird.

European Starling

This humble garden bird is surprisingly eloquent. European Starlings can mimic human speech, car alarms, and even other birdcalls. Shakespeare kept one as a pet—proof that their chatter has centuries of street cred.

Final Thoughts

Birds with speech abilities aren’t just parrots in party hats. From tiny budgies to starlings with secret talent, these avian conversationalists prove that brains—and banter—come in all beak shapes. Just be careful what you say around them!