Melopsitticus undulatus

Length 7 inches

Weight 28-30 grams

Lifespan 10-15 years

Incubation: 18 days

Age at weaning 7-8 weeks

Age at maturity 6-8 months

Country of origin Australia

Natural habitat: Light forest and grasslands

Descriptian The normal wild budgie is green with a yellow face and wavy black lines on the head, back and wings; several color varieties are available; ceres of all young birds are pinkish in calor, but adult males have a blue cere whiie females' are brown or beige.

Temperament Most budgies are playful, lively, and entertaining. They make excellent pets for first time bird owners and children. Although they can be quite sociable little birds, most do not enjoy excessive petting or cuddling. Hand-fed babies are especially tame and personable. Males can be excelent talkers. Some females may be able to talk as well and are generally more nippy than males, which tend to be fiendlier and more mellow.

Talking ability: Males, excellent, Females, poor

Noise levet: Low

Cage requirements: 18" x 18" inches with 1/2" bar spacing

Interesting facts: The Guinness Book of World Records states that in 1958 a budgie named Sparkie Williams won a talking contest in England. Before Sparkie died, he could say 531 words and 383 sentences. Many anecdotes such as this are writen regarding the remarkable ability of the Budgie as a talker and great pet. Everyone should be so fortunate as to own a Budgie.