Everything You Need to Know About Budgerigars: From Behavior to Care

The Budgerigar, also known as the common parakeet or budgie is a small, colorful parrot native to Australia. Budgerigars are known for their vibrant green and yellow feathers. They are popular as pets due to their friendly nature and ability to mimic human speech.

Budgerigars are small birds, measuring up to 18cm (17 inches) long, including the tail. They usually weigh around 30-40 grams. Wild budgerigars have green bodies with black and yellow markings on the wings and head. The forehead and face is yellow in adults.

However, selective breeding has resulted in many color variations, including blue, white, yellow and grey. They have rounded wings, with black bars on the back. The tail feathers are long and pointed, often a darker blue or green color.

Naturally, Budgerigars are native to the open woodlands, scrublands, and grasslands of Australia. They live in flocks and are highly sociable, often flying together in search of food and water.

In the wild, budgerigars mainly feed on seeds, especially from grasses, and occasionally small insects. Pet budgerigars are basically fed a diet of specialized seed mixes, along with fruits and vegetables for variety.

Budgies are excellent fliers and can cover large distances in search of food and water in their parched habitats.

Generally, when in the wild, breeding takes place between June and September in northern Australia and between August and January in the south, although budgerigars are opportunistic breeders and respond to rains when grass seeds become most abundant.

They are monogamous and breed in large colonies throughout their range. They show signs of affection to their flock mates by preening or feeding one another. They nest in hollow tree trunks or other cavities, where the female lays 4 to 6 eggs. She incubates the eggs for about 18-21 days.

After hatching, the chicks are cared for by both parents and they leave the nest at around 4-5 weeks of age. They are very social birds that thrive on interaction with both humans and other budgerigars. They can become very affectionate when properly socialized.

One of the most notable traits of this bird specie is their ability to mimic sounds, including human speech. Male budgerigars are generally more vocal and better at mimicking words. They are curious, intelligent birds that enjoy mental stimulation. Toys, puzzles, and interaction help keep them happy and healthy.

In captivity, budgerigars can live up to 5-10 years when properly cared for. As pets, they require balanced diet, regular interaction, and exercise to stay healthy. Their owners have to provide a spacious cage, with perches, toys and space to fly.

Visit www.africanpridemagazine.com for more