While it’s true that budgies are parakeets, they are only one of the hundreds of bird varieties that can be classified as parakeets. Not all parrots are parakeets. The parrot/parakeet debate is confusing even to seasoned aviculturists and is one that many bird experts disagree on.
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Parakeets
In general, birds that can be called parakeets are hookbills that have a long tail and are usually smaller than large parrots like macaws, amazons, and cockatoos. Parakeets are typically intelligent and easy to train, with many being excellent talkers some even mimic human speech better than larger parrots.
Parakeets can be divided into a few different groups. The Asiatic parakeets include the Indian Ringneck Parakeet, the Moustache Parakeet, Alexandrine parakeet, and plum-headed parakeet. These birds originate from regions near India, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and neighboring locations. They are related, classified as Psittacula, and share similar body traits. Another group is the grass parakeets. These birds are found in and around Australia and include species like Bourke’s parakeets, scarlet-chested or splendid parakeets, and rosellas. Members of the grass parakeet group also share body structures and traits similar to Asiatic parakeets. However, many types of parakeets don’t fit into these categories, like the Lineolated Parakeet and red rump parakeet. Some experts even classify conures as parakeets, although this point is disputed among aviculturists.
Common Parakeet Traits
Parakeets of all varieties share high intelligence and a very social nature. Their interactive personalities make them great choices for people seeking pet birds. Parakeets often form strong bonds with their owners when hand-fed as babies and handled frequently to remain tame. They can be very loving and affectionate, choosing to spend most of their time with their human flock mates. As pets, they thrive when fed healthy, specially formulated parakeet foods.
Adopting a Parakeet
If you’re considering adopting a parakeet, ensure you have ample time to handle and socialize with your bird daily. Leaving a parakeet alone can lead to boredom and depression, potentially causing health and behavioral issues. However, if you commit to caring for these birds properly, you’ll gain a devoted lifelong companion that brings years of joy and friendship.
To learn more about keeping pet parakeets, contact your local aviculture society and talk with breeders and seasoned bird owners about the types that interest you. These experts can guide you toward the species that would best fit your lifestyle.