Melopsittacus

Melopsittacus is a genus of small parrots in the family Psittaculidae, native to the arid regions of Australia. It is a monotypic genus, containing only Melopsittacus undulatus, the budgerigar or budgie.

In the wild, budgerigars are about 18 centimeters long and are predominantly green with yellow underparts and intricate dark markings on the wings and back. Domestic varieties have produced a wide range of color mutations but retain the same basic anatomy and behavior.

Wild budgerigars inhabit open woodlands and grasslands across much of mainland Australia, where they form large, highly mobile flocks that move in response to rainfall and seed availability. Their diet consists mainly of grass seeds, with fruits and vegetables supplementing their intake in captivity. They are social, vocal birds and often communicate with chirps and soft calls; they can learn simple tricks and mimic sounds.

Breeding takes place in natural tree hollows or artificial nest boxes. The typical clutch consists of four to six eggs; incubation lasts about 18 days, and nestlings fledge after roughly three to four weeks. Birds reach sexual maturity in about eight to twelve months and may breed annually under favorable conditions.

As pets, budgerigars are among the most popular parrots worldwide, valued for their friendly disposition and, in many color varieties, their diversity. Lifespan in captivity commonly ranges from five to ten years or more, with some individuals living beyond a decade. The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN, reflecting a large wild population and widespread presence in aviculture.