Budgie

The budgerigar, commonly known as the budgie, is a small parrot native to Australia. Its scientific name is Melopsittacus undulatus.

In the wild, budgerigars inhabit semi-arid inland regions, often in grasslands and open woodlands. They form large flocks and feed mainly on seeds from native grasses. Adults are about 18 cm long and typically have a green body with a yellow face, though captive populations exhibit a wide range of plumage due to mutations.

Males usually have a blue cere, while females have a brown or tan cere; juveniles can vary in cere color. Budgerigars are highly social and vocal; in captivity they thrive with companionship and environmental enrichment.

They breed readily in captivity, nesting in tree hollows. Clutches typically range from 4 to 6 eggs; incubation lasts about 18 to 21 days, and fledging occurs after 3 to 4 weeks. In captivity, lifespans commonly range from 5 to 15 years, with proper care.

The species is widely kept as a pet and is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN due to a broad distribution and large population.