We almost bought an African Grey. It had come down to a choice between the Grey or the Eclectus (this was after buying a Quaker parrot that we had living in my art gallery. He lives with us in the house now), after researching many larger parrots years ago. We chose the more colorful and sweet natured male Eclectus in the end though. The female Eclectus is really spectacular, but they're known for being nasty once they're sexually mature. So we decided to go with the calm, sweet male. I do like those Africam Greys though! Cool birds and so smart!
We had budgies when we first got married. At first, we only had one at a time. They bond to you much better if they are the only bird. Our first budgie was so wonderful, very affectionate, smart, and lots of fun. Once we got multiples in a bigger cage, the bonding wasn't as close since they had each other.
