Are you seeking an "ornamental bird" or a bird of engagement? We consider Canaries and Finches, "ornamental birds." Birds to look at. Birds who generally won't sit on your finger and chat with you.

Budgies are low maintenance but can be finger tame. They tend to do better in small groups. Cockatiels are smart and very entertaining. They're small  and easy to manage. From there you being to ramp things up. 

There's not enough time in the day to cover species specific bird ownership. Our motto "bigger bird - bigger brain" Once you're into Conure land you're now looking at pets that function like autistic 2 year old children - in a feather suit. Life spans of 30 - 80 years and more.

We engage bird owners and potential owners daily. Someone will call seeking info on a cage to house a Conure or Macaw. To the uninitiated - one may say "what's the problem?"

Well you're calling Windy City Parrot so we need to know what kind of Conure? We know of something like 90 species of Conures.

Green Cheek Conures aren't much bigger than Cockatiels. Patagonian Conures aren't much smaller than African Greys. Sun & Dusky Conures are popular. Generally speaking smaller Conures are quite vocal and can interfere with conversation.

There's something like 24 species of Macaws (counting hybrids). The biggest bird in the parrot world is the Hyacinth Macaw More than 4 feet long from heat to tail tip. The flip side are the Hahns and Noble Macaws (pic on left), not much bigger than some Conures.

Many small apartment dwellers may want a larger bird but cage size can be an issue.  if you have a very large room, your interests might best be served with awalk in indoor aviary.
          
Unless you're looking at a specific species how you get a bird may determine what kind of  bird you end up with. This can happen if you see a print or internet add for a person seeking to re-home a bird.

Small pet shops & big box pet shops sell bird. Staff expertise will vary widely. Verify information before purchasing.

Breeders are good sources, they know the species and can do a good job of instructing you on care. Young birds are more likely to bond with you.

Our favorite is rescues. Save an unwanted bird. Get a history if you're lucky. Rescues are also a good place to see many different species all in one place.

Attend a local bird club meeting- you'll meet a lot of enthusiastic bird owners who will give you great information.

So if your asking for specific recommendations on what kind of bird, I really can't help but I hope some of the things I pointed out will.