Parakeets

Parakeets, also called budgies, are small colorful birds that make wonderful pets. They originally come from Australia. Parakeets are very social and love attention from their owners. With patience, you can even teach them to say words and phrases.

Colorful Feathers

Wild parakeets are mostly green and yellow. But pet parakeets have been bred in many colors, including blue, white, and violet. Their feathers can glow under ultraviolet light. Parakeets keep their feathers clean by preening, which means they use their beak to smooth and straighten each feather.

Talking Birds

Parakeets are one of the best talking birds in the world. One parakeet named Puck learned over 1,700 words. They learn to talk by copying sounds they hear over and over. Male parakeets are usually better talkers than females.

Fun Facts

• Parakeets can turn their heads almost 180 degrees.
• A parakeet's heart beats over 300 times per minute.
• Parakeets are the third most popular pet in the world after dogs and cats.

Did You Know?

In the wild, parakeets live in huge flocks that can have thousands of birds. They fly together in beautiful, swirling patterns across the Australian sky!