The budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) originates from Australia were it roams the continent looking for wild grasses, seed and water. Unlike pigeons this bird does not have a rooting instinct. This is a migratory bird that lives in flocks or colonies and will constantly migrate in search of food and water. The budgerigar has a variety of names including budgie, grass parakeet, Zebra parakeet, Zebra grass parakeet and something like Betcherrygah, its aboriginal Australian name.

The original color of this bird is green and you will rarely see birds of different color in the wild. Today the domesticated bird we know comes in a variety of colors. In the last 150 years breeders across continents have used genetic principles to mass-produce budgies of all possible colors. These birds are usually found in stores in two varieties: the regular American or Australian budgie and the English budgie, a larger size bird used in shows.

Budgies make wonderful pets if kept in a small flock or as an individual pet. They are able to mimic the human voice and learn words and phrases. Their life span is about seven years. At birth they are bigger than a dime but smaller than a quarter in size. Full grown they are about an ounce, with English budgies a bit heavier.

Ducky is my son's pet. He is a two year old lutino cock that lives in the house except during breeding season. He is mated to Shaleese, a lutina hen, that my son calls "Shaleese Navidad". Ducky can whistle, has a basic vocabulary ("Ducky", "Love you!") and will come to your shoulder to chat, play and eat our food.

Ducky