Parakeet, Budgie, Budgerigar

 

The Australian budgerigar, also known as "budgie" or English parakeet or keet, Melopsittacus undulatus, is probably the most common parakeet. It was first discovered in 1891. It is the most popular breed kept as a pet in America.

 

Some species, especially the larger parakeets, may be referred to as "parrot" or "parakeet" interchangeably. For example, Alexandrine Parrot and Alexandrine Parakeetare different names for the same species, (Psittacula eupatria), one of the largest species called a parakeet.

 

Many different species of parakeets are bred and sold commercially as pets, the budgerigar being the third most popular pet in the world.

 

 

Cockatiel

 

The cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus), also known as the Quarrion and the Weiro, is a member of the cockatoo family endemicto Australia. They are prized as a household pet and companion parrot throughout the world and they are second in popularity only to the budgerigar.

 

The cockatiel is the only member of the genus Nymphicus. It was previously considered a crested parrot or small cockatoo; however, more recent molecular studies have assigned it to its own unique cockatoo subfamily Nymphicinae. It is, therefore, now classified as the smallest of the Cacatuidae (Cockatoo family). Cockatiels are native to Australia, and favour the Australian wetlands, scrublands, and bush lands.

 

The cockatiel's lifespan in captivity is generally given as 16–25 years, though it is sometimes given as short as 10–15 years, and there are reports of cockatiels living as long as 32 years, the oldest confirmed specimen reported being 36 years old. Diet and exercise are major determining factors in cockatiel lifespan.

 

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