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Budgerigar

Melopsittacus undulatus

Birds › Parrots (Psittaciformes) › Psittacidae (Parrots and parakeets)

Budgies are friendly, social small parrots; some learn hundreds of words, especially when trained young.

Pet trade

Experience: Beginner

Budgerigar — Photo: Asivechowdhury, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Photo: Asivechowdhury, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Lifespan10–15 years

SocialFlock bird

TalkingCan learn 500+ words

DietPellets + veg

Care at a glance

Species-specific values

Values researched for this exact species. Where they differ from the group guide below, follow these. Air, surface and water temperatures are listed separately, and each source is kept as published rather than averaged.

Minimum cage dimensions	length: 20 in; width: 20 in; height: 30 in Table cage minimum; exercise space additional.	316
Maximum bar spacing	0.5 in	316
Diet pellet fraction	40–50 % MSD small-pet-bird recommendation; incompatible with higher VCA recommendation, retained separately. Source does not specify dry-weight versus offered-food basis.	317

Care guide

Diet

Pellets about 80% of the diet, plus vegetables (kale, spinach, carrot, sweet potato) and a little sprouted seed.

Sources 31

Care

Clean the cage at least weekly with a bird-safe disinfectant.
Training works best from about 6 weeks old.

Sources 31

Show the group care guide for small parrots (budgies, cockatiels, parrotlets and grass parakeets)

Group care guide

Small parrots (budgies, cockatiels, parrotlets and grass parakeets)

Applies to most species in this group. Habitat: Australian and South American grasslands and scrub. Individual species can differ, so compare with the species numbers above and the linked sources.

Housing & setup

A flight cage wider than it is tall, so they can fly side to side.
Pairs or small groups for budgies and grass parakeets; parrotlets can be territorial.

Sources 120 121 31 35 317 320

Diet

Use a balanced small-parrot diet with vegetables. Pellet proportions differ between veterinary sources; retain the source-specific recommendations and verify actual food intake during conversion.

Sources 120 121 31 35 317 320

Social life

Flock birds; budgies do best with company.

Sources 120 121 31 35 317 320

Health watch

Obesity and fatty liver on seed-heavy diets; egg binding in hens.
Cockatiels are dusty birds; good ventilation helps.

Sources 120 121 31 35 317 320

Understanding the animal

In the wild

Researched for this exact species, not its family. Good care copies these conditions.¹²³

Where it lives	Native to much of mainland Australia's interior, especially semi-arid grasslands and open woodlands. Nomadic flocks follow rainfall-driven seed supplies, usually near water, and roost and nest in trees.
Ground it lives on	Open ground beneath grasses and herbs where fallen seeds accumulate; tree branches for roosting and hollows for nesting.
Climate	seasons: Occupies semi-arid and sub-humid regions. Budgerigars seasonally move north during winter to maintain access to food.
Active	Diurnal; feeding and drinking are concentrated in the morning, with shade-seeking rest during extreme heat and overnight roosting.
Social life	Highly social flocks, usually a few to hundreds of birds but occasionally tens of thousands after abundant rain; monogamous breeding pairs nest in colonies. Females can be more aggressive than males.
Wild diet	Almost exclusively seeds of native grasses and herbs, including porcupine grass and saltbush; seeds are usually collected from the ground and dehulled.
Behavior to plan for	Fast, coordinated flock flight and ground foraging dominate daily life. Rain and abundant grass seed can trigger breeding in tree cavities at any time of year.

What this means for care

Provide compatible budgerigar companionship and enough horizontal space for flock-style flight.
Offer clean ground-level foraging opportunities and grass seed heads as enrichment within a balanced captive diet.
Provide shade and ready drinking water; arid habitat does not mean water deprivation.
Avoid unrestricted access to nest cavities when breeding is not intended.

Native climate (measured)

Warm-season highs	about 91°F (up to 101°F in the hottest sampled areas)
Cool-season lows	about 42°F (down to 32°F in the coldest sampled areas)
Average temperature	50–76°F across sampled records
Relative humidity	37–74% on average (driest month about 53%)
Rainfall	about 579 mm a year

Measured at 136 wild occurrence records sampled against WorldClim 2.1 climate data (1970–2000 averages). Air conditions in the range are ecological context, not enclosure settings: microhabitats such as burrows, leaf litter or basking rocks can be cooler, warmer or more humid.

Profile

Researched for this exact species. Sources are listed under In the wild above.

History

The budgerigar was first recorded in 1805 and has been bred in captivity since the 19th century. Its name has several proposed origins, including possible derivation from Indigenous Australian words.

Keeper tips

Account for the fact that budgerigars are naturally flocking rather than solitary birds.
Allow for the species' strong movement and flight tendencies, which are prominent in its nomadic wild lifestyle.
Remember that the natural diet described is seed-based.

Behaviors reported

Forms flocks.
Lives nomadically and moves in response to food availability.
Breeds opportunistically and in pairs.
Can mimic human speech in captivity.

Unique adaptations

A nomadic lifestyle allows the species to persist in harsh inland Australian conditions.
The ability to breed while on the move is associated with success in unpredictable inland environments.
Small, streamlined bodies with pointed wings and tails are characteristic of the species.

Remarkable facts

The budgerigar is the only species in the genus Melopsittacus.
Wild birds are naturally green and yellow with black scalloped markings.
The species is native to Australia.
Budgerigars have been bred in captivity since the 19th century.
They are among the world's most popular companion animals.
Adults can usually be sexed by cere coloration and behavior.

From the sources

Quoted from the matching sections of reputable sources for this exact species. Specialist databases are used first; Wikipedia (community-edited, CC BY-SA 4.0) only fills gaps. Other sources are short credited quotes.

Overview	The budgerigar (; Melopsittacus undulatus), also known as the common parakeet, shell parakeet or budgie, is a small, long-tailed, seed-eating parrot native to Australia. Naturally, the species is green and yellow with black, scalloped markings on the nape, back, and wings. Budgies are bred in captivity with colouring of blues, whites, yellows, greys, and even with small crests. Juveniles and chicks are monomorphic (the sexes are visually indistinguishable), while adults are told apart by their cere colouring and their behaviour. — Wikipedia (community-edited)
Where it lives	Budgerigars occupy a range of semi-arid and sub-humid habitats mainly in the interior of Australia. — Animal Diversity Web
Wild diet	Budgerigars are highly successful exploiters of food and water resources whenever available (Kavanau, 1987). — Animal Diversity Web
Behavior	Budgerigars aggregate into large flocks and are strongly social. — Animal Diversity Web
Reproduction	Budgerigars are monogamous and breed in large colonies throughout their range. — Animal Diversity Web
Appearance and size	Budgerigars are small, streamlined parrots that average 18-20 cm in length. — Animal Diversity Web
History and naming	The budgerigar was first described by George Shaw in 1805, and given its current binomial name by John Gould in 1840. The budgerigar was once proposed to be a link between the genera Neophema and Pezoporus, based on the barred plumage. However, recent phylogenetic studies using DNA sequences place the budgerigar very close to the lories (tribe Loriini) and the fig parrots (tribe Cyclopsittini). — Wikipedia (community-edited)

Data and studies

Researched care notes

Findings checked against veterinary, zoo, welfare, keeper and peer-reviewed sources. Air, basking-surface and water temperatures are kept separate, and where sources disagree both are shown. “Study” notes report what a paper measured, not a universal rule.

Budgerigars, Cockatiels, And Lovebirds (nutrition module, not completed species sheets)

MSD discusses a mixed formulated-food/seed strategy for these small parrots, differing from its large-parrot percentages.¹
Offered food and selected food may differ. Measure actual consumption during diet changes.¹

Budgerigar

Provide safe opportunities to fly, play and chew, using bird-safe toys suited to this active small parrot.²
Iodine-deficient all-seed diets can cause goiter in budgerigars; respiratory noises or difficulty breathing require veterinary assessment rather than empirical home iodine dosing.³

Budgerigar, Cockatiel And Lovebirds (Shared reproductive additions)

Persistent laying can deplete calcium and lead to egg binding or other reproductive disease; it requires assessment beyond simply replacing a cuttlebone.⁴
For birds laying excessively, veterinary management can include reducing reproductive cues such as nest boxes, extended daylight and sexualized owner interactions.⁴
A weak or nonperching hen with straining or breathing difficulty may have egg binding and needs urgent veterinary attention.⁴

The numbers

Each bar is what one source reports. Where several sources weigh in, the dashed gold band marks their average.

Lifespan

Reported10–15years

Royal Veterinary College Exotics Service 3110–15

Maximum recorded lifespan

Highest reported21years

AnAge 16221

Myhrvold et al. 16321

Longest recorded lifespan reported by each database; typical lifespans are usually shorter. The AnAge record comes from an animal in human care.

Typical adult weight

Average of sources29.6g

AnAge 16230

Myhrvold et al. 16329.1

Average adult body mass in each database (FishBase gives the maximum recorded weight).

Clutch size

Average of sources5eggs

AnAge 1625

Myhrvold et al. 1635

Average per litter or clutch.

Incubation

Average of sources18days

AnAge 16218

Myhrvold et al. 16318

Female maturity

Average of sources5.9months

AnAge 1625.9

Myhrvold et al. 1635.9

Veterinary & husbandry research

Prevalence and Genotyping of Cryptosporidium Infection in Pet Parrots in North China Zhang XX et al., BioMed research international 2015
Eye lesions in pet birds Tsai SS et al., Avian pathology: journal of the W.V.P.A 1993
Seroprevalence and genotype of Chlamydia in pet parrots in China Zhang NZ et al., Epidemiology and infection 2015
Oxidative stress, activity behaviour and body mass in captive parrots Larcombe SD et al., Conservation physiology 2015

Peer-reviewed papers that mention this species alongside captivity, zoos, veterinary care or aquaculture. Some cover several species or mention it only in passing, so check the abstract. See all 70 on PubMed → 170

Federal legal snapshot

No federal permit to keep

No federal law singles out this species for private keepers. State and local rules still apply.

State law decides most of it. Each state sets its own permits and bans for exotic, native, venomous and dangerous animals, and cities and counties can be stricter. Find your state agency →

Animal Welfare Act standards

Birds (Subpart G). Applies to USDA-licensed or registered dealers, exhibitors (including encounters and paid programs) and research facilities. Private pet owners are not covered. These are legal minimums, not best care; the species care on this page goes further.

Indoor air temperature, humidity and any pool or water-feature temperature must suit the species and prevent discomfort or distress. §3.151
Birds may not be housed outdoors unless acclimated to the local temperature and humidity. §3.152
Enclosures must let birds stay dry and clean, give shade for every bird at once (including low-ranking ones), and have floors and perches that protect feet and legs. §3.153
A species-appropriate environment enhancement plan is required, approved by the attending veterinarian: social grouping plus enrichment such as perches, swings, objects to manipulate, varied food and foraging or task-oriented feeding. §3.154
Socially dependent birds, such as clutch-mates, must be housed together unless the veterinarian exempts them; birds may only share space with compatible animals. §3.160
The diet must suit the species, size, age and condition of the bird, with potable water in sufficient quantity; pools and water features must be kept clean. §3.155

Source: 9 CFR Part 3, current eCFR text (USDA APHIS Animal Care).

Kept in captivity?

Every species on this site needs evidence that people actually keep it. For this one:

Included in our hand-checked list of animals kept as pets, livestock or in zoos
AnAge has a longevity record from an animal in captivity
Reviewed by Clint's Reptiles
Covered by one of our in-depth care sheets
7782 iNaturalist observations of captive animals

Clint's Reptiles review

Clint Laidlaw reviews this animal in his "The Best Pet?" series: Budgie Parakeet, The Best Pet Reptile?. He scores handleability, care, hardiness, availability and upfront cost, and explains the reasons behind each score.

Watch Clint's review →

Sources for this sheet

Royal Veterinary College Exotics Service: Budgie care Zoo, university or veterinaryVet-school exotics hospital factsheet, reviewed 2021–2024.
AnAge: The Animal Ageing and Longevity Database (Human Ageing Genomic Resources) Peer-reviewed researchCurated, referenced longevity and life-history records for thousands of species; maximum lifespans are often from zoo animals.
Myhrvold et al. (2015). An amniote life-history database. Ecology 96: 3109 Peer-reviewed researchPeer-reviewed compilation of life-history data for over 21,000 birds, mammals and reptiles.
Merck Veterinary Manual: Management of pet birds Zoo, university or veterinaryThe Merck Veterinary Manual: a standard veterinary reference written and reviewed by veterinary specialists.
Merck Veterinary Manual: Nutritional diseases of pet birds Zoo, university or veterinaryThe Merck Veterinary Manual: a standard veterinary reference written and reviewed by veterinary specialists.
Royal Veterinary College Exotics Service: Cockatiel care Zoo, university or veterinaryVet-school exotics hospital factsheet, reviewed 2021–2024.
MSD Veterinary Manual — Management of Pet Birds Zoo, university or veterinaryAdded in the 2026 source-checked care-guide review.
VCA Animal Hospitals — Feeding Pet Cockatiels Zoo, university or veterinaryAdded in the 2026 source-checked care-guide review.
Clint's Reptiles (YouTube): Budgie Parakeet, The Best Pet Reptile? Expert educator & keeperClint Laidlaw, PhD in Biology Education and MS in Evolutionary Ecology; owner of Clint's Reptile Room and a longtime keeper. His "Best Pet?" series reviews each species' care in depth.
GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (Global Biodiversity Information Facility) Peer-reviewed researchInternational scientific taxonomy used here for classification.
Species+ (UNEP-WCMC and the CITES Secretariat) Zoo, university or veterinaryThe official database of species listed under CITES.
Wikipedia (species article) Community referenceFree encyclopedia; useful overviews with their own citations. Intro text is quoted under CC BY-SA 4.0.
PubMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine) Peer-reviewed researchIndex of peer-reviewed veterinary, zoo and husbandry research.
iNaturalist (captive observations) Community referenceCommunity observation platform run by the California Academy of Sciences and National Geographic; observations marked captive show animals living in homes, zoos and aquariums.

Budgerigar

Care at a glance

Species-specific values

Care guide

Diet

Care

Small parrots (budgies, cockatiels, parrotlets and grass parakeets)

Housing & setup

Diet

Social life

Health watch

Understanding the animal

In the wild

What this means for care

Native climate (measured)

Profile

History

Keeper tips

Behaviors reported

Unique adaptations

Remarkable facts

From the sources

Data and studies

Researched care notes

Budgerigars, Cockatiels, And Lovebirds (nutrition module, not completed species sheets)

Budgerigar

Budgerigar, Cockatiel And Lovebirds (Shared reproductive additions)

The numbers

Lifespan

Maximum recorded lifespan

Typical adult weight

Clutch size

Incubation

Female maturity

Veterinary & husbandry research

Sources for this sheet

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