The budgerigar, also known as the common parakeet, shell parakeet or budgie, is a small, long-tailed, seed-eating parrot native to Australia. Naturally, the species is green and yellow with black, scalloped markings on the nape, back, and wings. Budgies are bred in captivity with colouring of blues, whites, yellows, greys, and even with small crests. Juveniles and chicks are monomorphic, while adults are told apart by their cere colouring and their behaviour.
At a glance
- Scientific name
- Melopsittacus undulatus
- Category
- Birds
- Animal type
- Bird
- Other names
- perruche, budgie
Some species are regulated (CITES, ownership permits) — check the rules before keeping one.
