Parakeets are birds that are generally regarded as the smallest of all parrot species. A parakeet is any one of many small to medium-sized species of parrot, in multiple genera, that generally has long tail feathers. Parrots, also known as psittacines, are birds of the roughly 398 species in 92 genera comprising the order Psittaciformes, found mostly in tropical and subtropical regions. One-third of all parrot species are threatened by extinction, with higher aggregate extinction risk (IUCN Red List Index) than any other comparable bird group.
The name parakeet is derived from the French word perroquet, which is reflected in some older spellings that are still sometimes encountered, including paroquet or paraquet. In modern French, perruche is used to refer to parakeets and similar-sized parrots. In American English, the word parakeet usually refers to the budgerigar, which is one species of parakeet. They are friendly and easy to tame thus they are the third most popular pets after dogs and cats. These birds have the ability to mimic human speech, though they are admittedly more difficult to understand than other parrots. The birds we know and recognize in our pet stores are larger than those found in the wild since they have gone through many years of breeding in captivity. Surprisingly, my blue boy is much smaller than my green boy. Even when he was six weeks old he was much bigger than other budgies around him.
The Budgie
Budgies (Melopsittacus undulatus) were first brought to Europe in the 1840s, when a group of birds was imported to England. These birds were initially kept as aviary birds by wealthy collectors, but soon became popular pets due to their striking colors and charming personalities. Budgies are native to Australia, where they are often found in large groups in grasslands. Parakeets and budgies are two terms that are often used interchangeably. The budgerigar, also known as the common parakeet or shell parakeet, is a small, long-tailed, seed-eating parrot usually nicknamed the budgie, or in American English, the parakeet. The word budgie is actually a shortened form of budgerigar, which is the full scientific name for the bird. The term budgerigar comes from two Australian Aboriginal words: Betcherrygah (meaning "good") and Gurrah (meaning "bird"). Other English synonyms include: Budgerigar, Budgerygah, Budgie, Canary Parrot, Grass-Parakeet, Scalloped Parrot, Shell Parakeet, Shell Parrot, Undulated Parrot, Warbling Grass-Parrot, Zebra Parrot.
Looking closer, you can see the intricate feather patterns that adorn its wings, tail, and body, with delicate lines and spots of vibrant blue, black, and white. Their eyes are round and dark, giving them a curious and inquisitive look, as they cock their heads to the side to listen to your every word. The budgie's personality is just as beautiful as its appearance. These little birds are intelligent, social, and full of life, always ready to interact and play. Their cheerful chirps and playful antics make them a joy to watch and listen to. As they flutter around their cage or perch, it's hard not to be mesmerized by the graceful movements of their wings and tail, which seem to move in perfect harmony with each other. With their sweet nature and stunning appearance, the budgie truly is a beautiful bird, both inside and out.
Here is a list of the types of parakeets that are popular pets:
- English Budgie Parakeet
- Texas Clearbody Parakeet
- Blue Parakeet
- Brown Parakeet
- Opaline Parakeet
- Scarlet Crested Parakeet
- Blue Indian Ring-Necked Parakeet
- Rose Ringed Parakeet
- Blossom-headed Parakeet
- Budgies
The popularity of budgies as pets grew rapidly, and breeders began to produce new color variations and patterns. In the early 20th century, the first exhibition budgie was developed in England, and budgies soon became one of the most popular pet birds in Europe. Today, budgies are widely available in pet stores and are kept as pets in many countries around the world. While they are still native to Australia, they have become an important part of pet culture in Europe and beyond.
Several possible origins for the name budgerigar have been proposed. One origin could be that budgerigar may be a mispronunciation or alteration of the Gamilaraay word gidjirrigaa or gijirragaa from the Yuwaalaraay. Another possible origin is that budgerigar might be a modified form of budgery or boojery (Australian English slang for "good") and gar ("cockatoo").
The Parakeet
Parakeets are small to medium-sized birds with long, tapered tails that define the species, larger parrot species have square-shaped tails and larger bodies. Parakeets can be found in the wild almost all over the world, but the largest diversity of the species is found in Australia, where there are over 30 species of some of the most colorful parakeets. While there are hundreds of different Parakeets found throughout the world, they all have similar characteristics, including a long, tapered tail, bright and diverse coloring, and a multi-faceted beak.
Two types of budgies are most common in the U.S. pet trade: the English budgie and the American budgie. The American variety is the one you’re most likely to see in your local pet store, but if you frequent exhibitions and shows, you’ll probably find the English budgie instead.
Differences that help to distinguish budgies from parakeets:
- Terminology: Parakeet is a more general term used to describe a group of small to medium-sized parrots with long tail feathers. Budgies, on the other hand, is a more specific term used to refer to the budgerigar species.
- Size: Parakeets come in a variety of sizes, while budgies are a small-sized parakeet.
- Color: Budgies are known for their vibrant green and yellow feathers, while parakeets can come in a wide range of colors, including blue, red, and purple.
- Personality: While both parakeets and budgies are social and friendly birds, some people believe that budgies tend to be more talkative and affectionate than other parakeet species.
Parakeets comprise about 115 species of birds that are seed-eating parrots of small size, slender build, and long tails. The term grass parakeet refers to many small Australian parakeets native to grasslands such as the genus Neophema and the princess parrot. The Australian rosellas are also parakeets. Many of the smaller, long-tailed species of lories may be referred to as lorikeets. The vernacular name ring-necked parakeet (not to be confused with the Australian ringneck) refers to a species of the genus Psittacula native to Africa and Asia that is popular as a pet and has become feral in many cities outside its natural range. Other South American species commonly called parakeets include the genus Brotogeris parakeets, the monk parakeet, and lineolated parakeets, although lineolateds have short tails. Larger species are referred to as parrots.
Finally, a budgie is a specific type of parakeet. However, outside of North America, the term parakeet may be used to refer to a variety of small parrot species, including those that are not closely related to the budgerigar. In the United States they are known as parakeets, while in the rest of the world, they are known as budgies. We can also say that all budgies are parakeets, but not all parakeets are budgies since there are many different species within the parakeet family. That being said, the two are similar in character and personality and differ mostly in size and color.
''Types of Parakeets'' image source: Parakeets: Types, Care as Pets, Lifespan, Pictures | Singing-Wings-Aviary.com.