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: Feature a tan, white, or dark brown cere, often changing based on breeding condition.

: The budgerigar is the only species in the Australian genus Melopsittacus . It is a "true parrot," closely related to lories and fig parrots.

: Wild budgerigars are naturally green and yellow with black scalloped markings on their back and wings. Captive breeding has produced over 70 color mutations, including blue, white, grey, and violet.

: Gender is determined by the color of the cere (the fleshy area above the beak): Adult Males : Generally have a bright, vibrant blue cere.

: They typically weigh between 30–40 grams (1–1.4 oz). Captive budgies usually measure 7–8 inches in length, while wild specimens are often smaller.

The budgerigar ( Melopsittacus undulatus ), often referred to as the budgie or parakeet, is a small, long-tailed parrot native to the arid regions of Australia. It is the third most popular pet globally, following dogs and cats, due to its friendly nature, high intelligence, and ability to mimic human speech.

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Emily Arseneau

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