11 Amazing (Budgerigar) Budgie Facts for Kids [UPDATED]
If there is one thing everyone has seen, that has got to be the budgies. These birds are always present in bird sanctuaries or zoos. Commonly known as ‘lovebirds’; you will definitely see pairs of these colourful birds sitting together.
These colourful birds are distant relatives of birds like macaws and scarlet macaws as they all belong to the same parrot family. In case you want to learn more about the macaws or the scarlet macaws, then you can check out our article on the same-
Is your little one interested to know more about these ‘lovebirds’? In that case, we have made a list of 11 amazing budgie facts for kids. You might want to read them out in case you want these beautiful birds as pets.
11 Most Interesting & Fun Facts about Budgies for Kids | Budgerigar Facts
Although small in size, budgies are intelligent enough to rival their bigger cousins like parrots and macaws when it comes to talking abilities. Budgies are native to the continent of Australia although now, you can find them all over the world.
With that introduction, let us look into the fascinating aspects of these birds.
1. Budgies have a third eyelid
Yes, you read that right. Budgies indeed have a third eyelid. While humans and most animals and birds have two lids, budgies have a third one.
But this eyelid is not usually visible. They help in keeping the eyes clear of dirt and debris. This eyelid is located in the front portion of the birds’ eyes.
2. Naturally, these birds are green to escape from predators
Although we have seen budgies in green, yellow and blue, the original budgie was green in colour. The greenish-yellow colour is the most common budgie colour and it helps them avoid predators by helping them camouflage.
The yellow coloured ones are a result of a genetic mutation! But, guess what is really interesting about the budgies.
The first blue budgie was seen in the year 1878 and that too was a result of a genetic mutation. This genetic mutation happens as a result of a spot in the DNA. One spot and the whole colour changes!
3. Budgies’ heartbeat can be around 500 beats per minute
The heartbeat of an average human being is around 75 beats per minute. Now, compare that to the average heartbeat of a budgie; 500 beats per minute! This is really fascinating.
Although birds, in general, tend to have a faster metabolism than humans and hence, their heartbeat is also more. But the budgies probably take the cake in this one. In fact, their heartbeat is so fast that it cannot be calculated by normally hearing.
4. Budgies are highly intelligent birds
Budgies, like the rest of the parrot family, are highly intelligent birds. They are also extremely vocal and are capable of learning quite a few words. In fact, they have the greatest vocabulary of the parrot species.
Did you know that these little birds have enough brains to cope with basic mathematics? They are capable of counting up to three and they are not easily tricked.
Did you know that Cockatoos are extremely intelligent as well? You might want to check out our article on 11 Amazing Cockatoo Facts for Kids to learn more about them.
5. These birds have four toes
Usually, birds tend to have three toes, but not the colourful budgies. The arrangement is very unique as they have four toes two in the front and two at the back of the foot. One of the most fascinating aspects of these birds is that each foot has a different number of bones in it.
6. Budgies can see over 150 images per second!
To give a little context, human beings can see only 16 images per second. And yet these small birds are capable of registering over one fifty images per second. Isn’t that fascinating?
Additionally, budgies cannot see very well in the dark and hence total darkness can stress these birds out. Usually, owners use a dim lamp before the budgies fall asleep so that they do not stress out.
7. Budgies can see more colours than us
We have already stated that budgies can register more images than human beings. But not the only thing they can do better than us.
They have a total of four colour sensing cells in their eyes while we only have three. This means that they are able to see the ultraviolet spectrum that humans are not capable of doing.
8. These birds poop a lot
Yes, you read that right. Budgies do poop a lot. In fact, these birds can poop every twenty minutes. The reason behind this is that they have a very high metabolic rate and process food very quickly.
If you have budgies as pets you will have to clean up the cages frequently.
9. Budgies can move one eye independently of the other one
Budgies have one of the best eyesight in the animal kingdom. Their eyes are placed in the side of their heads and they are able to monitor movements from all directions.
An interesting fact about the budgies is that they can move one eye independently of the other one and can see from each eye independently. This is called monocular vision.
10. Female budgies can gain a lot of weight during the breeding season
During the breeding seasons, the female budgies can gain significant weight. This happens because of bone density that has enhanced due to retaining calcium. Calcium is extremely important because it supports breeding.
Female budgies can gain around twenty percent of their total body weight during the breeding season.
11. These birds have excellent hearing
Yet another place where the budgies beat the human beings. Their hearing is very well developed and extremely accurate. They can quickly sense and distinguish between different signals and this helps them to stay safe from their predators.
Different Types of Budgies
Budgies can be found in various shades of bright colours. In fact, these birds are so diverse when it comes to their colours and mutations that they are at least thirteen recognized varieties-
- The traditional budgie (Australia)
- English budgie
Coming to the colour variations –
- Sky blue budgie
- Cobalt budgie
- Mauve budgie
- Grey budgie
- Violet budgie
- White budgie
- Albino budgie
- Light green budgie
- Dark green budgie
- Olive budgie
- Grey-green budgie
- Yellow budgie
- Lutino budgie
While budgies come in different colours, there is a bird that has many colours on its tiny body! These are called rainbow lorikeets. Why don’t you read more on them here- 11 Amazing Rainbow Lorikeet Facts for Kids
What is the difference between a Budgie and a Parakeet?
There is a common phrase. That is- all budgies are parakeets but all parakeets are not budgies. The names are used interchangeably in the United States of America. But there are some differences between the two birds.
- An average budgie can weigh around 1.05 to 1.41 ounces while parakeets weigh around 1.05 to 1.76 ounces.
- An average height of a budgie is 5-7 inches and an average parakeet is around 5-18 inches
- Budgies have a lifespan of 5-10 years whereas parakeets have it for 10-20 years.
In case you want to know more about parakeets, feel free to take a look at our article on the same- 11 Amazing Parakeet Facts for Kids
(Budgerigar) Budgie Facts for Kids Video
If you like to consume information in video format, you can watch this video:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A full-grown budgie is anywhere between 1.05 to 1.41 ounces in weight and 5-7 inches in length.
Budgies generally are found in the grasslands, forests, woodlands and farmlands which are closer to water surfaces. They usually nest in holes in trees.
Not exactly eyes, but budgies have 3 eyelids. There is one that is placed between the two eyes and helps in cleaning dirt and debris.
Budgies are considered to be one of the best pets for kids. These birds are low maintenance and are very affectionate and smart.
Budgies are vegetarians and generally feed on various seeds, berries, nuts, fruits and vegetables.
Budgies drink about a spoonful of water every day.
Budgies are originally from Australia.
Budgies usually live for a period of 5 to 7 years which can go up to 10 years.
Yes, all budgies are parakeets but all parakeets are not budgies. Budgies are in fact, smaller versions of parakeets.
Yes, it is extremely cruel to keep one budgie as they are social birds that love to interact with their own kind.
Budgies, when form a bond with another budgie will tap their beaks together that will look like a kiss.
Yes, budgies do enjoy serene music.
Yes, budgies are extremely affectionate animals that form strong relations with their owners.
Budgies do need darkness to sleep like most animals. However, before they fall asleep, it is better to provide some dim light in the room as budgies, when awake can be stressed out due to pitch black darkness.
No, like most birds and animals, budgies close their eyes while sleeping.
Budgies need to sleep for 10 to 12 hours a day.
Budgies are usually scared of bigger birds of prey like hawks, owls and eagles. They are also scared of snakes and even monkeys. Additionally, budgies can also get scared of sudden loud noises.
Budgies are capable of seeing not only the colours humans can see but also the entire ultra-violet spectrum as well.
While there are no such colours that budgies are scared of, they prefer colours like green, yellow or blue; basically any neutral colours. The other colours might seem a little alarming to them.
Yes, in fact, budgies really love to get sprayed or splashed with water and take a bath.
Yes, budgies are intelligent enough to recognise their own names.
Budgies can start talking from the age of 3 to 4 months.
Being the colour group of birds that they are, there are about thirty different combinations recognised on budgies.
The budgies that have a grey coloured plumage are considered to be the rarest budgie species as this mutation is the least common.
That was it, folks! You have managed to come to the end of the article ’11 Amazing Budgie Facts for Kids.’
These birds are very social and affectionate. They form strong bonds with their owners and hence, they will be great pets. But remember, they always need a companion and hence, always get two of them. Other than that, feed them and give them lots of love. Have a great day!