Budgerigar
Melopsittacus undulatus
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
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
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
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird 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.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Family:
PsittaculidaeAverage 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?
- Budgerigars can survive without drinking water for extended periods, obtaining moisture from seeds.
- They are one of the most popular pet birds worldwide due to their friendly nature and ability to mimic speech.
- In the wild, budgerigars can form flocks of thousands during nomadic movements.
Similar Birds
References
- 1 2
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Melopsittacus undulatus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T22685223A132056957.
View source - 3
journalArticle, 2000: Brouwer et al., Longevity records for Psittaciformes in captivity, Int Zoo Yb, 37:299-316
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