I've always wanted a crow or a raven as a pet. Not that I'm particularly morbid or anything, but both species have played roles in some books I have really enjoyed, and they are very intelligent! I'm sure they would be really noisy and annoying, but I still think they would be a cool pet.
As for legal birds, I'm fascinated with African Grey parrots ever since I first learned about Alex. I have a friend who has Conures, and they are adorable. I recently got to hold/cuddle a juvenile pair of Sun Conures at a pet store, and if I had an extra $1000+ and no cats I would have brought them home with me. They were very sweet and loving, and they seemed to like me.
I've always wanted birds, but would never get them while I have cats. I know that sometimes cats and birds can get along, but I would always be VERY worried that the cats would one day kill or hurt the birds. I just couldn't deal with that stress!
