The Budgerigar, commonly called a budgie is probably the most popular pet bird in the world. They are small, attractive, friendly and can learn to talk. In the United States they are commonly called Parakeets or keets although they are simply one of many different kinds of Parakeets.

Budgies are native to Australia, where flocks of hundreds and sometimes thousands gather at waterholes and feeding areas. The normal wild colour is the familiar green, yellow & black shell marked bird we all know. Breeders have managed to come up with almost every colour bird possible over the years so your choice may be difficult when picking out a pet.

If you are lucky enough to find a breeder who handfeeds these birds you will have an absolutely marvelous pet on your hands. They are quite easy to tame even if not handfed with a bit of patience, but a handfed bird is one of a kind.

It is not easy to tell the sex of a young Budgie, but breeders who know their birds are often successful in telling them apart. Once the bird is past 6 months or so, it is fairly easy to tell by looking at the cere just above the top of the beak. This area will change colour and the male’s will be a blue or purple colour with the female’s being a brown.


Pictured here are 3 budgies. Notice the blue just above the beaks. The blue is the cere and this indicates that all 3 birds are male. Thanks to Louis Garwood for the use of these pictures.

Budgies are very active birds and should have the largest cage you can afford or have room for. They should also have plenty of out of cage time for playing and for being with their owner. Toys appropriate for their size should be provided to play with.

Most Budgies you find in stores are the normal or Australian Budgie. At bird shows, you are more apt to find the English Budgie and if you purchase your buddy at a breeder, you may obtain either an English Budgie or a mid size bird that is a cross between the two types.


Pictured here are 2 male English Budgies. Thanks to Louis Garwood for the use of these pictures.

Just to show the size difference in these two types of birds, I have two more pictures from Louis Garwood for you to see showing the large English Budgie beside the little normal variety.



Whether you are looking for your first bird or you have had birds all your life, you will find that a Budgie fits right into almost any household.


Please take a look at my new Budgie E-Book written after many years of experience with these wonderful little birds.