Abstract
A Bit of History
The Budgerigar was unknown
outside its native land until Captain
James Cook discovered Australia
during 1770. It was not until 1794,
however, that European naturalist
John Gould first reported seeing
large flocks of small green parrots
during his venture to Austrailia.
The grass parakeet was a favorite
food of the Aborigines. In fact, the
Aborigines call this bird '' Betcherrygah"
(good food), hence the name
"Budgerigar:' The Budgerigar has
also been termed with several other
names such as shell parrot, grass
parakeet and parakeet.
Budgerigars were first imported to
England during 1840 and soon afterwards
were imported to the United
States. Import dealers imported several
hundred thousands of Budgerigars
until 1894 when the Australian
government placed a ban on the
exportation of these birds.
The English Budgerigar vs.
The American Parakeet
In many circles there seems to be
confusion regarding the difference
between the English Budgerigar and
the American Parakeet.
The American Parakeet has been
primarily bred for commercial purposes
to meet the demands of the pet
trade. As a result, this bird has
remained small in physical appearance
( 4'' to 5'' in length) and the
features of the bird are unrefined.
The colors are randomly mixed for
the purpose of breeding a "heinz"
conglomeration of colors on one
bird.