Budgerigar - Melopsittacus Undulatus
Habitat:
Open woodland or grasslands near water
Range:
Arid and semi-arid zones of Australia
Activity Cycle:
Diurnal, resting and preening during middle of day
Features:
Mainly bright colored feathers – green, yellow, blue, black white and grey. The female budgerigar cere or nostril area is brown in color, while the male has a blue color. Blue-grey legs for both
Size:
Average height, 5-8 inches; average wingspan, 10-14 inches; average weight, 1-1.5 ounces
Social Structure:
Nomadic and highly sociable. Found in large flocks. Vocal with loud songs used to communicate. Fairly affectionate and caring; it is not uncommon for flockmates to feed one another. Hardy creatures that, when ill, will try to conceal for as long as possible to not appear weak to predators
Life Expectancy:
3-6 years in wild, 8-20 years in captivity
Diet:
Seeds, fruit, insects and berries. Droughts can move flocks to coastal areas
Reproduction:
One of few bird species that do not build nests and females will find a hole in a tree to lay their eggs. Females will lay 5 or 6 eggs that will hatch about 3 weeks later. Seasonal weather patterns affect the breeding pattern and a sequential pattern of rain fall is required for completion of breeding cycle. Females will only leave young to stretch or defecate. Males will fend for mate by feeding her at “nest” entrance
Status:
Least concern according to the IUCN Red List and is listed on "Appendix II" of CITES.
Interesting Facts:
- One of the most popular domesticated birds
- Predators include humans, snakes and large birds (owl, hawk, Hobby or falcon)
- Found in inland Australia environments for the past 5 million years
- Adapted to drought conditions that may last up to 10 years
- Flocks follow flushes of seeding grasses after thunderstorms
Video:
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