History
Domesticated budgerigars have been bred from wild budgerigars Melopsittacus undulatus and have become the most popular species of pet bird in the world.

Life span
Budgerigars live for an average of 7-8 years but can sometimes live for up to 12 years.

Distribution and Habitat in the wild
Wild budgerigars are native to Australia, although they have been introduced to Florida, USA. In years when food is abundant, budgerigars are one of Australia's most numerous bird species. Their preferred habitat is scrub and open country.

Behaviour in the wild
Budgerigars are swift, agile flyers. In the wild, they travel in large flocks from one area to the next, constantly looking for food and water. They are active during the early morning and late afternoon, searching on the ground for grass seeds, their primary food source.

Budgerigars breed during October and November (early summer in Australia) when there is a good food and water supply. They nest in small tree holes, laying 4-6 eggs which the female broods. The chicks leave the nest after 30 days.