The most kept parrot in the world, and a far more capable talker than its size and price suggest.
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Melopsittacus undulatus |
| Origin | Inland Australia |
| Length | 18 cm (7 in) |
| Weight | 30–40 g (1–1.4 oz) |
| Lifespan | 5–10 years, occasionally to 15 |
| Noise level | Low |
| Experience | Beginner |
| Conservation | Least Concern |
Temperament
Sociable, cheerful and easy to tame when acquired young. Budgies hold the record for the largest documented parrot vocabulary, though their speech is quiet and rapid enough that it is often missed. They do well in pairs, but a pair bonded to each other will be less interested in human contact.
Care
The single greatest factor in budgie lifespan is diet. All-seed feeding is standard practice and is strongly associated with obesity, lipomas and shortened life. A pelleted base with fresh greens dramatically improves outcomes. Flight time outside the cage matters, as caged-only budgies gain weight quickly.
Notes
Widely treated as a disposable starter pet, which is the origin of most of the health problems the species suffers in captivity. Well-kept budgies routinely reach twelve years or more.