The Budgerigar
Melopstiiacus undulatus
Size: Approximately 7" for the American and 10" for the English.
Weight: Normally 40-60 grams
Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
Natural diet: Granivore
Native to: Australia
Min. cage dimensions: 18"x18"x18" (larger preferred)
Bar spacing: up to 5/8"
Handling needs: Budgies are very social birds that love to be part of your flock. At least an hour a day must be given to each
budgie.
Sound Level: Low. The normal chirps and whistles of this species are quite tolerable.
Talking Ability: Poor. Budgies can mimic quite a few noises and words, but it is extremely difficult to understand them.
Special notes: Budgies are often referred to as parakeets. Parakeets are actually a group of parrots with long tapering tails. All budgerigars are parakeets, but not all parakeets are budgerigars. Many pet stores simply label their budgerigars as parakeets, but this is not their correct name.
There are two different kinds of budgies - the American (what you see in pet stores) and the English, which is a bit larger.
Budgerigar is translated in Aboriginal to "good eating."
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