Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) — species profile (taxonomy, origin, lifespan, husbandry basics)
Authoritative first-hand species account (Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan). All bullet facts are verbatim from the cited source and C1-substring verified.
Natural History & Origin
- introduced to many areas around the world including S.
- Budgerigars occupy a range of semi-arid and sub-humid habitats mainly in the interior
- However, they sometimes can be found in dry grasslands of the southeast.
Habitat
- Budgerigars are small, streamlined parrots that average 18-20 cm in length.
- also breed after heavy rains because grass growth is dependent upon water.
- Budgerigars are highly successful exploiters of food and water resources whenever
Size
- commonly known as the budgerigar, is naturally distributed through Australia except
- Australia and during the spring and summer in southern Australia.
- habits and drink about 5.5% of their body weight daily (Kavanau, 1987).
Behavior & Social Structure
- Budgerigars aggregate into large flocks and are strongly social.
- associates with others of its species; forms social groups.
Reproduction
- In breeding females, the cere (the skin at the
- Budgerigars are monogamous and breed in large colonies throughout their range.
- Breeding for Budgerigars can occur during any time of the year but most frequently
Diet
- They do not forage during midday or in extremely hot weather,
- animals that use metabolically generated heat to regulate body temperature independently