Budgerigar
Calls
The contact
call is a warbling "chirrup"; "zit" is given in alarm.
Facts and Figures
Research
Species:
No
Minimum
Size:
17cm
Maximum
Size:
18cm
Average
size:
18cm
Average
weight:
28g
Breeding
season:
Any time of
year when conditions suitable
Clutch Size:
6 to 8 eggs
Nestling
Period:
35 days
Basic Information
Scientific Name: Melopsittacus
undulatus
Featured bird groups: Parrots
Atlas Number: 310
What does it look
like?
Description:
Since its introduction into captivity, the Budgerigar (or
'budgie') has been bred into a variety of colour forms, including pure white,
blue, yellow, mauve, olive and grey. In the wild, Budgerigars are small green
and yellow parrots, with black barring above, and a small patch of blue on the
cheek. The male has a dark blue cere (skin at the base of the upper mandible
surrounding the nostrils). In the female this is brownish when breeding and
light blue otherwise. Young Budgerigars are similar to the adult birds, but are
duller and have a dark brown eye (which is white or yellow in adults).
Where does it live?
Distribution:
The Budgerigar occurs naturally throughout much of mainland
Australia, but is absent from the far south-west, the north of the Northern
Territory, Tasmania and the majority of the east coast.
Habitat:
Budgerigars are nomadic and large flocks of birds can be
seen in most open habitat types, but seldom far from water. Very large flocks,
numbering occasionally in the tens of thousands, are seen after a season of
abundant rainfall and food. Flocks are usually much smaller, however, and range
from as few as three birds up to 100 or more. Birds in a flock fly in a
characteristic undulating manner.
Seasonal movements:
Nomadic.
What does it do?
Feeding:
Budgerigars feed almost exclusively on the seeds of native
herbs and grasses, such as porcupine grass and saltbush. Seeds are mostly eaten
from the ground and the bulk of drinking and feeding activity is in the
morning.
Breeding:
Budgerigars tend to breed in response to rainfall, and may
produce several broods if conditions permit. The nest is a bare cavity in a
suitable tree branch or in the trunk. The female sits on the round white eggs.
As with other parrots, young budgerigars are born naked and helpless.
References:
Parrots and Pigeons of Australia
