Budgerigar
From SongbirdReMixWiki
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Current revision (16:57, 26 June 2013) (view source) |
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'''Size:''' 7 inches (18 cm) Note: Budgerigars have been bred down and up in sizes from American Parakeet (5-6 inches (13-15cm)) to the English Budgie (10 inches (25.5cm)). | '''Size:''' 7 inches (18 cm) Note: Budgerigars have been bred down and up in sizes from American Parakeet (5-6 inches (13-15cm)) to the English Budgie (10 inches (25.5cm)). | ||
| - | '''Habitat:''' Australia, | + | '''Habitat:'''Australia; 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. 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. |
| - | '''Status:''' | + | '''Status:''' Least Concern. '''Global Population:''' Unknown. |
'''Diet:''' Spinifex seeds, grass seeds, and ripening wheat. Birds in captivity also eat fruits and vegetables such as apples, oranges, bananas, strawberries, carrots, unsprayed lettuces, parsley, peaches and spinach. | '''Diet:''' Spinifex seeds, grass seeds, and ripening wheat. Birds in captivity also eat fruits and vegetables such as apples, oranges, bananas, strawberries, carrots, unsprayed lettuces, parsley, peaches and spinach. | ||
'''Breeding:''' Breeding generally takes place between June and September in the North and between August and January in the South. The nesting takes place in a tree cavity, fence post or even a log laying on the ground. 4-6 eggs are incubated for 17-19 days, with the young fledging about 30 days after hatching. | '''Breeding:''' Breeding generally takes place between June and September in the North and between August and January in the South. The nesting takes place in a tree cavity, fence post or even a log laying on the ground. 4-6 eggs are incubated for 17-19 days, with the young fledging about 30 days after hatching. | ||
| - | While many Americans refer to the Budgerigar as a parakeet, the term “Budgie” is more common. The term “Parakeet” refers to a number of small parrots with long flat tails. I’m sure much to the Budgies’ dismay, the term “Budgerigar” comes from an Aborigine phrase that means "good to eat". It is believed to be the most common pet parrot in the world, and it has been bred in captivity since the 1850s. | + | |
| + | '''Cool Facts:''' While many Americans refer to the Budgerigar as a parakeet, the term “Budgie” is more common. The term “Parakeet” refers to a number of small parrots with long flat tails. I’m sure much to the Budgies’ dismay, the term “Budgerigar” comes from an Aborigine phrase that means "good to eat". It is believed to be the most common pet parrot in the world, and it has been bred in captivity since the 1850s. | ||
There are currently over 32 primary mutations in the Budgerigar Parakeet enabling hundreds of possible secondary mutations (stable combined primary mutations) & color varieties (unstable combined mutations). Breeders have worked over the decades to produce a wide range of color and feather mutations. Feather mutations can produce crests or very long shaggy feathers. | There are currently over 32 primary mutations in the Budgerigar Parakeet enabling hundreds of possible secondary mutations (stable combined primary mutations) & color varieties (unstable combined mutations). Breeders have worked over the decades to produce a wide range of color and feather mutations. Feather mutations can produce crests or very long shaggy feathers. | ||
| - | '''Found in [http:// | + | '''Found in [http://hivewire3d.com/songbird-remix-pet-shop.html Pet Shop] and [http://hivewire3d.com/songbird-remix-australia-v3.html Songbird ReMix Australia Volume III]''' |
