Common Names: Budgerigar, Budgie, Parakeet (in the U.S.)
Scientific Name: Melopsittacus undulatus
Family: Psittaculidae (parrot family)
Origin: Native to Australia (wild flocks still roam the open grasslands and scrublands)
Status: Least Concern (IUCN), highly abundant in the wild and captivity
Size: 7 inches (18 cm) long on average
Weight: 25–35 g (0.9–1.2 oz)
Wingspan: 10–12 inches (25–30 cm)
Lifespan: 5–8 years in captivity; up to 10–15 years with excellent care (rarely up to 20)
Plumage:
Wild type: green body, yellow head with black barring, and blue/purple cheek patches
Captive varieties: over 70+ color mutations including blue, violet, albino, lutino, pied, and opaline
Cere (fleshy area above beak):
Blue in mature males
Brown/tan in mature females
Pink/purple in juveniles until sexing is possible
Intelligence: Smart and trainable, though less so than large parrots
Personality: Playful, curious, social, and friendly
Vocalization: Chirpy and melodic; some can mimic words and short phrases (especially males)
Social Needs: Very social; thrive in pairs or flocks, though single budgies can bond well with humans if given daily interaction
Activity Level: Highly active; love flying, climbing, and playing with toys
Staple: High-quality budgie seed mix or pellets
Fresh Foods: Leafy greens (spinach, kale, parsley), vegetables (carrots, broccoli, corn, peas), fruits (apples, melon, grapes, mango)
Supplements: Cuttlebone or mineral block for calcium
Avoid: Avocado, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, onion, garlic, salty/fatty foods
Cage Size: Minimum 18” x 18” x 18” for a single budgie; larger if keeping pairs or flocks
Exercise: Daily flight time outside cage (in a safe, bird-proofed room)
Enrichment: Swings, ladders, bells, shreddable toys, mirrors (if single bird)
Grooming: Occasional misting or shallow bath; nails may need trimming if not worn down naturally
