Budgerigar

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.

Identification

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).

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.

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.

Seasonality

Budgerigars are nomadic.

Feeding and diet

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.

Communication

The contact call is a warbling 'chirrup' 'zit' is given in alarm.

Breeding behaviours

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.