Birds can be incredibly intelligent creatures that are capable of learning all sorts of behaviors and tricks. However, not all birds make good candidates for training. The most trainable bird species tend to be highly social, have longer lifespans, display high levels of intelligence, and are motivated by interaction and food rewards. With proper techniques and patience, parrots, corvids, doves, and some raptors are generally considered to be the most trainable types of birds.
What Makes a Bird Trainable?
There are several key factors that determine how trainable a particular species of bird may be:
Social Nature
Birds that form strong social bonds and have complex social hierarchies tend to do better with training. Parrots, for example, live in large flocks and communicate extensively with one another. Their high degree of social motivation makes them eager to interact and bond with their human trainers. Solitary bird species are generally less trainable.
Intelligence
Highly intelligent birds with greater reasoning abilities are more trainable than less intelligent ones. Corvids like crows and ravens top the avian IQ scale and are adept at solving complex problems. Smart birds also get bored easily, so training gives them mental stimulation.
Long Lifespan
Birds that live longer lifespans like parrots have more time to refine learned behaviors and establish rapport with trainers. Short-lived bird species usually do not thrive in training programs.
Food Drive
Trainability increases if a bird has strong food motivation and will work readily for tasty treats or favorite foods. Birds can be conditioned to associate certain behaviors with getting rewards.
Prey Drive
Raptors used for training are highly responsive due to an innate prey drive that can be channeled productively with positive reinforcement. Their strong hunting instincts translate well into skills like returning to a handler.
Best Bird Species for Training
Based on their high trainability attributes, these types of birds have the most potential in training programs:
Parrots
Parrots top the list of trainable birds due to their high intelligence, social nature, longevity, and food motivation. Popular parrots like cockatoos, conures, macaws, Amazons, African grays, cockatiels and parakeets are frequently trained for a variety of behaviors. Their impressive vocabularies make them adept talkers.
Corvids
Corvids such as crows, ravens, magpies, jays and nutcrackers are considered the most intellectually gifted birds. They are intensely curious, social and live long lives. Corvids can learn complex problem-solving skills and excel at tasks through repetition and positive reinforcement.
Doves and Pigeons
Often underestimated, pigeons and doves are highly trainable. Their flocking nature, food drive and longevity allow them to learn quickly and retain behaviors. Racing pigeons and showy varieties like fantail pigeons showcase their trainable abilities.
Raptors
Birds of prey like falcons, hawks, eagles and owls can be highly responsive in training programs that tap into their innate hunting abilities. Positive reward systems allow trainers to shape their behaviors and teach them to return on command.
Finches and Canaries
These petite songbirds can tackle some surprisingly complex feats for their small size. Canaries and finches exhibit high energy, focus and coordination when conditioned with rewards. Target training helps them master skills.
Other Trainable Bird Species
While the birds above make the best candidates overall for training, some other species also have potential:
– Mynah birds – excellent mimics with long lifespans
– Hornbills – intelligent with longevity, some better than others
– Mockingbirds – renowned mimics, though less social than parrots
– Starlings – highly social, long living and vocal mimics
– Owls – some owls like burrowing owls can be trained
– Waterfowl – swans, geese and ducks have demonstrated trainability
Difficult to Train Birds
Some birds either lack many key trainable attributes or have more challenging temperaments:
– Birds of paradise – beautiful but not inclined for training
– Hummingbirds – too small, short lived and high energy
– Ostriches & emus – powerful beaks, kicks make training risky
– Swifts – aerial masters but not suited for training
– Kiwis – nocturnal, flightless, not trainable
– Cassowaries – aggressive and dangerous, inability to be tamed
– chickens – food motivated but density makes training a challenge
Best Training Techniques for Birds
Training birds takes patience, consistency and the proper techniques tailored to each species. Some effective methods include:
Target Training
Target training involves rewarding a bird for touching its beak on a stick or other target object. This teaches focus and coordination. The target can then be used to guide the bird’s movement and position.
Shaping
Shaping is a gradual training method where behaviors are broken into small steps and each step is rewarded. Shaping builds on success and allows complex behaviors to be taught over time through positive reinforcement.
Luring
Luring makes use of a bird’s natural instinct to chase and peck at objects. A treat is held near the desired location to lure the bird into performing a specific movement or behavior.
Modeling
The trainer demonstrates the desired behavior which the bird then mimics. Effective for teaching vocalizations.
Captive Flying
Training birds like raptors to fly between handlers allows their natural flying abilities to be directed. Rewards are given when the bird returns successfully.
Clicker Training
Clickers provide an instant signal that a desired behavior has been performed. The click sound is paired with a reward and communicates positive feedback.
Tips for Training Birds
– Start young – birds trained from a young age progress faster.
– Short, frequent sessions – birds have short attention spans so end sessions on a high note.
– Clear communication – be consistent with verbal and visual commands. Use consistent whistle and clicker sounds.
– Rewards – identify strong motivators like favorite treats to reward and reinforce behaviors immediately.
– Patience – birds learn at their own pace. Some behaviors may take weeks or months to teach.
– Trust – build a strong relationship and trust over time. Some birds require taming before formal training can begin.
– Progress slowly – break commands into small, achievable steps. Move at the bird’s pace.
– Correct gently – if reinforcement is not working, use gentle correction. Do not punish or disturb trust.
Common Behaviors Taught to Birds
Birds can learn an impressive variety of behaviors through dedicated training. Some of the most common tricks taught include:
| Behavior | Description |
| Step up | Perching on a hand or arm on command |
| Targeting | Touching beak to designated target object |
| Rollover | Rolling laterally on cue |
| Retrieve | Fetching specified objects |
| Ring bell | Ringing a bell or tone bar with beak or foot |
| Talking | Imitating human speech |
| Wave | Waving a foot on cue |
Other advanced behaviors like running agility courses, painting, mimicking radio tones and playing basketball demonstrate just how versatile bird training can be.
Conclusion
While all birds are intelligent in their own right, certain types like parrots, corvids and doves demonstrate the highest levels of trainability. Key factors that increase a bird’s potential to learn include social nature, intelligence, lifespan, food drive and prey drive. With dedicated training using methods like shaping, targeting and clicker training, the right birds can master impressive behavioral skills ranging from speech to agility. While some birds are naturally more trainable than others, all birds benefit from the mental stimulation and bonding that training can provide.
