A flock of 3,000 budgerigars scrapes across the land and blankets the ground at a waterhole, dotted randomly with strange doves and bizarre birds with long tails and crests of different shapes and sizes. You are probably wondering what these birds are and if this scene exists. You also may be surprised to learn that this strange and wonderful phenomenon happens every day in the continent called Australia.
Many birds from Australia are common pets. The most popular pet bird, the budgerigar, budgie, or parakeet, is originally from Australia. Budgerigars come in many mutations. The mutation called “normal green” by parrot breeders is the color that budgerigars evolved with. When the English first explored Australia, they found these parrots and brought some back to England, where they became popular. Over many years, different colors were bred, ranging from bright yellow to purple. They were brought to the USA and spread all over the world.
Another popular pet bird, the second most popular, also came from Australia. Cockatiels live in the wild side-by-side with budgerigars and were also brought to England where, like the budgerigar, it was spread around the world. Although it hasn’t turned purple as of now, it has developed cinnamon-colored and pure white feathers.
Cockatoos are known for their ability to talk and dance. They are bigger than cockatiels and budgerigars. The rose-breasted cockatoo has pink feathers, the umbrella cockatoo has a very colorful crest, the sulfur-crested cockatoo has a yellow crest, and the palm cockatoo has black feathers and red cheeks.
Diamond doves are smaller than budgerigars yet live with them in the outback. They are not very popular pets, but they can be found in many pet stores.
Budgies Rule!!! 