Budgerigars. Photo: David Cook (Flickr) / CC BY-NC 2.0
Budgerigars. Photo: David Cook (Flickr) / CC BY-NC 2.0

The budgerigar is a seed-eating parrot primarily found in scrubland, open woodland and grassland.

Commonly known as the ‘budgie’, budgerigars grow to about 18 cm long. They are green and yellow with black markings on their throats, back and wings.

Budgies usually feed in the morning. They are generally seen in small flocks eating seeds from the ground. Some of their favourite seeds come from spinifex, porcupine grass and saltbush.

Keep an eye out for budgerigars whenever there is water around. Good places to see them include Muṯitjulu Waterhole and various spots on the Uluṟu base walk.

Scientific name

Melopsittacus undulatus

Pitjantjatjara/Yankunytjatjara name

kiily-kiilykari or natitjiri