The Budgerigar reference article from the English Wikipedia on 24-Apr-2004
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Budgerigar

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Budgerigars
Budgerigars
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Aves
Order:Psittaciformes
Family:Psittacidae
Genus:Melopsittacus
Species:undulatus
Systematic name
Melopsittacus undulatus

The Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) or Budgie, also called the domestic parakeet, is a small parrot originating in Australia. It is a very common and familiar pet.

Budgerigars come in a wide range of colours, including green (the wild coloration), yellow, blue, white, violet, and others. They are relatively easy to care for, and can be taught to speak, whistle tunes, and play with their humans. In captivity, they can survive anywhere from 2 to 10 years, depending on the bird's health.

The word budgerigar reputedly comes from the aboriginal Australian word meaning "good bird" or "yummy bird".