September 28, 2026 · Guides

Are African Grey Parrots Loud? What to Expect in an Apartment

Noise is one of the most practical, least glamorous questions a buyer should ask, and it’s often skipped until after the bird is already home.

How loud, really

African greys are generally considered one of the quieter large parrot species, especially compared to macaws or cockatoos, but “quieter” doesn’t mean quiet. Greys are naturally vocal at dawn and dusk, can produce sharp contact calls when they want attention, and, being excellent mimics, may pick up and repeat household sounds like phones, smoke alarms, or other pets at volume.

What drives excess noise

Screaming beyond normal vocalization is usually a response to something: boredom, an attempt to get attention when other methods haven’t worked, or stress. It’s frequently manageable with more consistent daily interaction and mental stimulation, rather than something inherent to the individual bird.

Practical apartment considerations

• Check your lease and local noise ordinances before committing — some buildings restrict pet birds specifically.
• Talk to adjacent neighbors honestly; a grey’s dawn call carries further than most people expect through shared walls.
• Plan daily enrichment and interaction from day one, since a bored grey in a small space is more likely to develop noise or behavioral issues.

If noise level is a deciding factor for you, ask the breeder directly what the specific bird’s vocal habits look like day to day.