Budgerigar

The budgerigar is a small, long-tailed parrot native to Australia, also commonly called a budgie or common parakeet.

The budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus), also known as the budgie or common parakeet, is a small, long-tailed parrot native to Australia. It is a seed-eating bird known for its social behaviour and distinctive green-and-yellow wild plumage. Budgerigars are popular pet birds worldwide, including in Canada, where they are commonly called budgies.

Taxonomy and naming

Budgerigars are parrots in the genus Melopsittacus and are the only species in that genus. The name 'budgie' is a common nickname, while 'parakeet' is widely used in North America for the same bird.

Description

Wild budgerigars are small, slim parrots with long tails, a green body, yellow face, black markings, and blue cheek patches. Captive birds have been bred in many colour forms, including blue, white, yellow, grey, and other combinations.

Habitat and behaviour

In the wild, budgerigars live across much of inland Australia, especially in open grasslands, scrublands, and wooded areas. They are nomadic and social, often travelling in flocks and moving in response to food and water availability.

Domestication and pet trade

Budgerigars became one of the world's most popular cage birds after being bred in captivity. Selective breeding has produced many colour mutations and established the species as a common companion bird. In Canada, they are common pet birds, often sold in the companion-bird trade.