Bird+of+the+Week--Parakeet

............................................................................... __Melopsittacus undulatus__
 (Parakeet, Budgie, Budgerigar)



__How to Recognize a Parakeet__: small (7 in.); long-tailed; naturally green and yellow with black scalloping, however, breeders have created blues, greys, whites, and many other rainbow colours (most common being pied, base, saddlebacked, cinnamon, faded, recessive, grey, and goldenfaced); sexually color dimorphic ceres (blue or purple for males, pale brown or white in females) __Wing Span__: 10-14 inches  __Life Span__: 3-6 years in the wild, 12-14 years in captivity  __Vocalization__: [] __Habitat __: scrubland, open woodland, grasslands of Australia (naturally); all habitats if tamed  __Diet__: grass seed, fruits, berries, grass greens  __Fun Fact__: The term "budgerigar" actually means "good to eat"; native Australians caught and ate budgies.