Go for a cockatiel. Not as big as a parrot, not as small as a canary. And super sharp, among the smartest birds that exist out there!
I have a cockatiel named Kuku, he turned 4 on May 29, 2015. I am currently in Bangalore, was raised in Geneva since childhood. So I really really miss him.
The best thing about cockatiels, is that you don't need to buy it a partner, if you are ready to follow a very strict condition:
You will dedicate time to him or her, everyday, and take care of it, like a child.
My advice: buy it when it's a toddler. Maybe 1 month old, max, and try and hand feed it initially. And go for males, they're the sharper ones.
You should be patient initially. Just like humans, baby cockatiels have "trust issues". They will hiss, bite, but it's only fear. (Side note: Have you seen "How to Train Your Dragon?" - take the basic ideas from it)
In short: go slow initially. Also, if you want to teach him tricks, do it when he is a kiddo. And any trick! Be it songs, dancing, anything (usually these birds either pick up speech or music pattern. I taught mine to imitate Happy Birthday's whistling tune, so he'll never be able to imitate "songs" as such)
Now, the controversial bit: cockatiels hate being caged, and they hate being alone.
So whenever you return from work, make a point to spend at least 10 to 30 minutes, when he is in the cage. Talk to him, greet him, and show your sincere love.
And there again, there is an awesome "loophole". You can keep him caged during day time, but keep something that will keep him occupied. Maybe the local radio? TV? A spotify playlist? Or even neighbors, that would pop in and tell him hello.
On a concluding note: when I first bought Kuku, I had to assert the choice in front of my parents. To be blunt, he was gray, ugly and very weird.
Now Kuku is 4 years old, dashing and handsome, the biggest genius of the Muraleedharan family. And more that, he is a reflection of what all I showed him.
I showed him love, and he loves me so much... I feel emotional now, just thinking about him.
P.S. He used to shake his head to my Bollywood songs. Now my elder sibling is TRYING to make him enjoy English tracks :-)
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