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Budgerigar

Melopsittacus undulatus

This cheerful little parrot has won hearts worldwide as one of the most popular pet birds, though wild flocks still soar through Australia's vast outback.
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Visual Identification

Appearance

Budgerigars are small, slender parakeets with long, tapering tails. Their plumage is primarily light green with black barring on the wings and back. The face and throat are yellow, with distinctive dark spots on the cheeks.

Males have blue ceres (the fleshy area above the beak), while females have brown or tan ceres when mature. Juveniles resemble adults but have barring on their foreheads that disappear with age.

Size

Length

18cm to 20cm

Wingspan

30cm to 32cm

Weight

30g to 40g

Colours

Primary Colour

Green Yellow

Secondary Colour

Blue White Black

Beak Colour

Grey

Leg Colour

Blue Grey

Primary Colour (Female)

Green Yellow

Secondary Colour (Female)

Blue White Black

Beak Colour (Female)

Brown

Leg Colour (Female)

Blue Grey

Habitat and Distribution

Habitats

Woodland

The Budgerigar is not typically found in Woodland habitats.

Garden

The Budgerigar is not typically found in Garden habitats.

Wetland

The Budgerigar is not typically found in Wetland habitats.

Coastal

The Budgerigar is not typically found in Coastal habitats.

Urban

The Budgerigar is not typically found in Urban habitats.

Farmland

The Budgerigar is not typically found in Farmland habitats.

Grassland

The Budgerigar can be found in Grassland habitats.

Desert

The Budgerigar can be found in Desert habitats.

Tundra

The Budgerigar is not typically found in Tundra habitats.

Rainforest

The Budgerigar is not typically found in Rainforest habitats.

Mountain

The Budgerigar is not typically found in Mountain habitats.

Savanna

The Budgerigar is not typically found in Savanna habitats.

Distribution

Budgerigars are native to Australia and found across much of the continent's interior. They inhabit arid and semi-arid regions, including grasslands, open woodlands, and scrublands.

These birds are nomadic, moving in response to rainfall and food availability. They are particularly common in the Australian Outback but can be found in various regions depending on environmental conditions.

They were introduced to the United States, where an established population exists in southwestern Florida, near St. Petersburg. They have also been introduced in Puerto Rico.

Elevation Range

Up to 1,000 meters

Climate zones

Arid, Semi-arid

Distribution Map

This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Budgerigar. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.

A few things to keep in mind:

  • Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
  • Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
  • This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations

We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:

  • More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
  • How birds move around during different seasons
© 2024 - Birdfact
Breeding

Distribution by Region

Species that are present in the area during their breeding season
Australia Puerto Rico United States of America

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Behaviour and Ecology

Bird Attributes

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Bird Attributes Explained

Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.

Attribute Categories:
  • Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
  • Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
  • Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
  • Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
  • Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Understanding the Ratings:

  • 0-20: Very Low
  • 21-40: Low
  • 41-60: Average
  • 61-80: High
  • 81-100: Very High

Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.

Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.

Agility 85

Agility

Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.

Budgerigars are remarkably agile flyers, capable of swift, acrobatic movements and precise manoeuvring. Their undulating flight pattern and ability to navigate through complex environments, particularly in large flocks, demonstrates exceptional aerial prowess.

Strength 25

Strength

Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.

As small parakeets weighing only 30-40 grams, Budgerigars possess modest physical strength. Whilst capable of cracking seeds and climbing, their diminutive size naturally limits their raw strength compared to larger avian species.

Adaptability 90

Adaptability

Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.

These hardy birds show remarkable adaptability, surviving in harsh arid environments and going extended periods without water. Their nomadic lifestyle, ability to breed opportunistically after rainfall, and success as a species across varied habitats demonstrates outstanding adaptiveness.

Aggressiveness 20

Aggressiveness

Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.

Budgerigars are notably peaceful and social birds, forming harmonious flocks in the wild. Whilst they may display territorial behaviour around nesting sites, they generally exhibit a gentle temperament and are known for their friendly disposition.

Endurance 75

Endurance

Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.

Their ability to traverse vast distances during nomadic movements, survive in harsh desert conditions, and maintain active foraging behaviours throughout the day reflects strong endurance. Their capacity to thrive in the challenging Australian Outback environment particularly demonstrates their stamina.

Diet

Budgerigars are primarily seed-eaters, favouring grass seeds from various species. They forage on the ground or directly from seeding grasses.

During breeding seasons, they may supplement their diet with insects and their larvae for additional protein.

Behaviour

Budgerigars are highly social birds, often seen in large flocks in the wild. They are agile flyers, capable of swift, acrobatic movements.

These birds are known for their playful nature and their ability to mimic sounds, including human speech, when kept as pets.

Vocalisation

Budgerigars are known for their cheerful, warbling songs and chattering calls. Their vocalisations include a mix of chirps, whistles, and trills.

In flight, they often make a rapid 'chi-chi-chi' sound. When alarmed, they emit a sharp, high-pitched squawk.

Nesting & Breeding

Budgerigars typically breed after significant rainfall when food is abundant. Pairs form strong bonds and may remain together for multiple breeding seasons.

They nest in tree hollows, often in eucalyptus trees. Females lay 4-6 small, white eggs and incubate them for about 18 days. Males often stand guard near the nest and feed their mates during this period.

Chicks fledge at around 30 days old but may remain with their parents for several weeks after leaving the nest. In favourable conditions, budgerigars can breed multiple times in a year.

Conservation and Status

Global Conservation Status

Least Concern [1]

While budgerigars are listed as Least Concern due to their large range and population, they face threats from habitat loss and degradation in parts of their native range. Conservation efforts focus on preserving their natural habitats in Australia.

Population Data

Global Population Estimate

Not quantified, but abundant

Global Population Trend

Trend data may be uncertain or fluctuating

Birdwatching Tips

  • Look for large flocks in open grasslands or near water sources
  • Listen for their distinctive chirping and warbling calls
  • Observe their quick, undulating flight pattern
  • In Australia, visit arid or semi-arid regions for the best chance of spotting wild budgerigars

Additional Information

Quick Facts

Other names:

Budgie, Shell Parakeet, Common Parakeet

Average Lifespan

5 to 8 years

Max Lifespan

21 years [3]

Predators

Main predators include birds of prey such as falcons and goshawks, as well as introduced mammals like feral cats and foxes.

Did You Know?

  1. Budgerigars can survive without drinking water for extended periods, obtaining moisture from seeds.
  2. They are one of the most popular pet birds worldwide due to their friendly nature and ability to mimic speech.
  3. In the wild, budgerigars can form flocks of thousands during nomadic movements.

References

  1. 1 2

    website: BirdLife International. 2018. Melopsittacus undulatus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22685223A132056957.

    View source
  2. 3

    journalArticle, 2000: Brouwer et al., Longevity records for Psittaciformes in captivity, Int Zoo Yb, 37:299-316

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