The reality is that parakeets and budgies are actually one and the same. For the rest of world, the birds that we call "parakeets", or "budgies" in the United States, are called budgerigars. While some might claim that Parakeets and Budgies are not identical but their taxonomy is identical.

Origins of Names

In Joseph M. Forshaw's book, Parrots of the World, the parakeet is described as a "budgerigar" with the scientific name Melopsittacus undulatus. The scientific name for this species in Latin is the same name given to the parakeet. They are in fact the same species. Go look at BIRDS AUTHORITY for more information about budgerigar.

Although it's not clear what the reason for these birds getting their name Budgie, which is abbreviated for the bird's full name, Buffergar, there are a variety of theories. One theory is that it originates from the Australian slang word, "budgery."

Popularity as Pets

The adorable birds are loved by all, no matter the place they come from. They rank third in popularity among companion animals worldwide after cats and dogs. They have been popular for a long time and are native to Australia which is the dry grasslands . They are extremely tough birds. They are often found in large numbers, looking for food and water, as well as looking for bugs, grasses and even grains. They are believed to be very intelligent birds and can survive in any kind of environment.

Different kinds of parakeets

The term "parakeet" is an expression used to describe a collection of birds that number a few dozen that are tiny in size and possess long tail feathers, and slim bodies. Other parrots that are referred to as parakeets include the mustache parakeet, the grass parakeet and the Monk parakeet also called the Quaker Parrot, as well as the Indian Ring-necked Parakeet. Each of them are small parrots and they all have long tail feathers.

The Budgerigar

George Shaw, a botanist and Zoologist, was the first to document the Budgerigar in history in 1805. British born, he became quite interested in the natural fauna and flora of Australia as he began his work in the natural science section of the British Museum. There were people living in Australia in that time, and specimens of both species of animals and plants were shipped back to England.

Breeding

In 1840, the first budgies arrived at England. Following the enthusiasm for keeping these birds as companions began, captive breeding was established in 1850. The first color variation utilizing selective breeding was recorded in 1870, and later numerous variations were created that still survive to this day.

There are a variety of these birds. There are numerous color variants that are available, and some species like the English Budgie have a unique appearance.

Parakeet Vs. Budgie

It's not known if the budgie or the parakeet are identical to the mini-controversy about the African Grey's name. The most common name for the bird whose scientific name is Psittacus erithacus in the United States "African Grey parrot." Taxonomists are still trying understand the difference between the two varieties of African Greys, the Congo and the Timneh. The two species are identified by two different taxonomies for instance, the Timneh sub-species belongs to the Congo. However, if you look for the species "African Grey parrot" in the book of Mr. Forshaw's book you're not going to find it.

All of which goes to suggest that when William Shakespeare wrote the metaphorical, "A rose by any other name could smell equally sweet," he could have had budgies or parrots in his brain.

What Are The Differences Between Parakeets And Budgies?