Bryan McAllister’s personal reference notebook
September 12, 2026Short & citedBlog
Civic Viewpoint.
A quiet encyclopedia with a personal desk
Kept by Bryan McAllister — short guides, clear facts, and the Canadian angle when it matters.
Field Notes • Birds

Budgerigar

The budgerigar is a small, long-tailed parrot native to Australia, also commonly called a budgie or common parakeet.

Updated September 12, 20261 min readCited sources

The budgerigar is a small, long-tailed parrot native to Australia, also known as the budgie or common parakeet. In Canada, it is a popular pet bird, often kept in homes and aviaries.

What it is

Budgerigars are the only species in the genus Melopsittacus, with the scientific name Melopsittacus undulatus. Wild birds are typically green and yellow with black barring and blue cheek patches, but selective breeding has produced many colour varieties in captivity.

Where it lives and behaviour

In the wild, budgerigars are found across inland Australia in open grasslands and scrublands. They are highly social and nomadic, often travelling in large flocks in search of food and water.

As a pet in Canada

Budgerigars have been bred in captivity for many years, becoming one of the world's most popular cage birds. In Canada, they are widely known as budgies and are common in the companion-bird trade, with many colour mutations available.

In short

  • Budgerigars are small parrots native to Australia.
  • The species’ scientific name is Melopsittacus undulatus.
  • Wild budgerigars are typically green and yellow with black barring and cheek patches.
  • They are highly social birds and often live in flocks.
Canadian angle

Budgerigars are common pet birds in Canada, where they are widely known as budgies and are often sold in the companion-bird trade.

Quick questions

What is a budgerigar?
A small Australian parrot, also called a budgie or common parakeet.
Are budgerigars and parakeets the same?
In North American English, 'parakeet' often refers to the budgerigar, though the word can also mean other small parrots.
Why are budgerigars popular pets?
They are small, social, and adaptable, and captive breeding has produced many colour varieties.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Budgerigar
    Supports: Scientific name, common names, native range, general description
  2. Australian Museum — https://www.australian.museum/learn/animals/birds/budgerigar/
    Supports: Wild appearance and captive colour forms
  3. Audubon — https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/budgerigar
    Supports: Native range and escaped wild colonies
  4. PetMD — https://www.petmd.com/bird/care/budgerigar-facts-what-to-know-about-budgerigar
    Supports: Pet-bird popularity, size, and general traits