What is the Difference Between Budgies and Parakeets?

The terms "budgies" and "parakeets" are often used interchangeably in the United States, but they actually refer to the same type of bird: the budgerigar or Melopsittacus undulatus. The bird is known as a budgie in the United Kingdom, while the term "parakeet" is more commonly used in the United States. The confusion arises because the term "parakeet" can also refer to any small-sized, seed-eating parrot with a long tapered tail. However, the budgerigar is the most commonly kept parakeet species, especially in North America and Europe.

In summary, the main difference between budgies and parakeets is:

• Budgies: These are the common terms for a budgerigar, a small Australian parakeet.
• Parakeets: These are small, seed-eating parrots with long tapered tails, which can include various species. The term "parakeet" is more commonly used in the United States to refer to budgerigars.

Regardless of the name, these small, cute birds are often kept as pets and thrive best on a diet of nutrient-rich, healthy foods.

Comparative Table: Budgies vs Parakeets

Budgies and parakeets are often used interchangeably, but they have some differences. Here is a table comparing the two:

Budgies are a type of parakeet, specifically native to Australia. They are smaller than other parakeet species and have a shorter lifespan. In the wild, budgies are green and yellow, but they have been bred to come in various colors such as gold, blue, violet, brown, gray, and yellow. Parakeets, on the other hand, have a wider range of colors and patterns depending on the species.

Both budgies and parakeets are parrots with long tails and slender bodies. The term "budgie" is commonly used in the United States for these small Australian parakeets. The scientific name for both budgies and parakeets is Melopsittacus undulatus.