Budgerigar
Small Australian parrot, popular pet, third most common globally.
The budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus), also known as the common parakeet, shell parakeet, or budgie, is a small, long-tailed, seed-eating parrot native to Australia. It is the only member of the genus *Melopsittacus*, which is the sole genus in the tribe Melopsittacini, and is closely related to lories and fig parrots. Naturally, the species is green and yellow with black, scalloped markings on the nape, back, and wings. Captive breeding has produced colours including blues, whites, yellows, greys, and even small crests. Juveniles are monomorphic, while adults can be distinguished by cere colour and behaviour. Wild budgerigars average 18 cm long, weigh 30–40 grams, and have a 30 cm wingspan. They display a light green body, pitch-black mantle markings edged in yellow, a yellow forehead and face in adults, iridescent blue-violet cheek patches, and three black spots on each side of the throat. Their tail is cobalt with yellow flashes, and their wings have greenish-black flight feathers. Bills are olive grey, legs are blueish-grey with zygodactyl toes. The cere is lavender or baby blue in males, pale brownish to brown in females, and pink in immatures. Some colour mutations cause males to retain a pink cere for life. Budgerigars have tetrachromatic colour vision and their plumage fluoresces under ultraviolet light, which may aid in courtship. The species is monotypic. First recorded in 1805, budgerigars are popular pets worldwide, ranking third after dogs and cats. They are nomadic flock parakeets that breed opportunistically and in pairs, both in the wild and captivity. They are found wild throughout drier parts of Australia, having survived harsh inland conditions for over five million years through their nomadic lifestyle and ability to breed while moving. The name’s origin is unclear; it may derive from the Gamilaraay word *gidjirrigaa* or Yuwaalaraay *gijirragaa*, or from Australian slang “budgery” (good) and “gar” (cockatoo), with some sources specifying the translation as “good food”. Alternative spellings include budgerygah and betcherrygah. Other names include shell parrot, warbling grass parakeet, canary parrot, zebra parrot, flight bird, and scallop parrot. The genus name *Melopsittacus* means “melodious parrot”, and the species name *undulatus* means “undulated” or “wave-patterned”.
- Scientific name
- Melopsittacus undulatus
- Average length
- 18 cm (7 in)
- Weight
- 30–40 grams (1.1–1.4 oz)
- Wingspan
- 30 cm (12 in)
- Natural range
- Drier parts of Australia
Lore & Background
Budgerigars are small, long-tailed parrots native to Australia, averaging 18 cm in length, weighing 30–40 g, with a wingspan of 30 cm. Wild individuals display a light green body, a yellow forehead and face, and pitch-black mantle markings edged in clear yellow undulations. They have small, iridescent blue-violet cheek patches and three black spots on each side of the throat, with the two outermost spots at the base of each cheek patch. The tail is cobalt with central yellow flashes on the outer feathers; wings show greenish-black flight feathers and black coverts with yellow fringes. Bills are olive grey, legs blueish-grey with zygodactyl toes, and young birds have blackish stripes extending down to the cere until about three to four months of age. In captivity, they have been bred in many colours including blue, grey, grey-green, pied, violet, white, and yellow-blue, and pet store individuals are commonly blue, green, or yellow. Their plumage fluoresces under ultraviolet light, a trait possibly linked to courtship and mate selection, and they possess tetrachromatic colour vision that requires sunlight or UV light for full function. The cere colour differs by sex: males have a lavender or baby blue cere, females show pale brownish-white (non-breeding) to brown (breeding), and immature birds of both sexes have pink ceres. Some male colour mutations (albino, lutino, dark-eyed clear, recessive pied) retain the immature pink cere for life. Wild budgerigars are noticeably smaller than captive ones. They are found throughout the drier parts of Australia, where they have survived harsh inland conditions for over five million years, and are nomadic flock parakeets that breed opportunistically in pairs.
Reader's Guide
The budgerigar holds significance as one of the most widely kept pet birds globally, valued for its small size, affordability, and ability to mimic human speech. Its natural history reveals a highly adaptable species that has thrived in Australia's arid interior for over five million years through nomadism and opportunistic breeding. In captivity, extensive colour mutations have been developed, with at least 32 primary mutations enabling hundreds of varieties. The species is monotypic, representing the only member of its genus and tribe, and is closely related to lories and fig parrots. Its legacy includes being a model for studying avian behaviour, colour vision, and ultraviolet communication. The budgerigar's popularity has led to widespread captive breeding since the 19th century, though wild populations remain stable across its native range. The decline of the Florida feral population highlights challenges from competition with invasive species.
Did You Know?
- The budgerigar is the only member of the genus Melopsittacus and the tribe Melopsittacini.
- Wild budgerigars are green and yellow, but captive breeding has produced blues, whites, yellows, greys, and even small crests.
- The species name undulatus means 'undulated' or 'wave-patterned' in Latin.
- Budgerigars have tetrachromatic colour vision and fluoresce under ultraviolet light.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a budgerigar?
A budgerigar, often shortened to 'budgie,' is a compact, long-tailed parrot that originates from the Australian continent. It is the sole species in the genus Melopsittacus and shares a close evolutionary link with lories and fig parrots.
Where do budgerigars live in the wild?
Their natural habitat is the arid and semi-arid stretches of the Australian interior, where they forage on seeds. Outside of Australia they are not native, though they have been introduced to several regions as escaped or released pets.
Why are budgerigars the world's third most popular pet?
Their tiny stature, budget-friendly upkeep, and natural knack for imitating human words make them an accessible and entertaining companion. They trail only dogs and cats in overall global pet ownership numbers.
How big is a budgerigar?
A typical adult measures roughly 18 cm (7 inches) from beak to tail tip and weighs between 30 and 40 grams. With wings fully extended, the span reaches about 30 cm (12 inches).
What is the scientific name of a budgerigar?
Its binomial name is Melopsittacus undulatus. The genus Melopsittacus contains no other recognized species, making the budgerigar its only representative.
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