Budgerigar

Melopsittacus undulatus

 

Distribution:

Ranges over much of Australia, except the eastern coastal area and Tasmania. They are nomadic by nature.

Diet:

A mixture of seeds, including millet sprays, greens, carrots, and apples.

Immatures:

Will show barring on the head down to the cere. Newly fledged birds might have darker beaks. The eyes are solid, lacking the white irises associated with most adults. (Most Birds at PetForum are 6-8 weeks old.)

Sexing:

Young males will have more prominent and purplish ceres. In adult hens, ceres are brownish.

Life-span:

Average 7-8 years, as many as 12 years.

Nesting:

Year round, wild budgies would breed in colonies. In captivity, it is more likely for them to breed in a group, but it is common for single pairs to breed sucessfully. Birds should not be bred before 1 year of age.

Clutch:

Usually 3-5, but as many as 10 eggs are common.

Incubation:

About 18 days.

Note:

Commercially bred since the late 1800's. These birds are probable the most popluar pet bird in this country. Bird Talk magazine reports that a Bugerigar hold the record for the best talker!!!-with a vocabulary of over 225 words!!!