Parakeet Breeds

Two budgies playing on top of their cage. Budgies are one of the most common parakeet breeds. This is the most popular parakeet and found in many homes throughout the world.

Most Popular Breeds

Here is a list of some of the different breeds of parakeets:

1. Budgerigar (commonly known as budgies or parakeets)
2. Monk Parakeet (Quaker Parrot)
3. Indian Ringneck Parakeet
4. Alexandrine Parakeet
5. Derbyan Parakeet
6. Barred Parakeet
7. Lineated Parakeet (Linnie)
8. Bourke’s Parakeet
9. Plum-headed Parakeet
10. Moustached Parakeet
11. Rose-ringed Parakeet
12. Red-rumped Parakeet
13. Princess Parrot
14. Regent Parrot
15. Rock Parrot
16. Swift Parrot
17. Superb Parrot
18. Golden-shouldered Parrot
19. Blue-winged Parrot
20. Scarlet-chested Parrot
21. Elegant Parrot

This list includes some of the most commonly kept parakeet breeds as pets, as well as a few less common species. Keep in mind that there are many more species and sub-species of parakeets found in various regions around the world.

Common Budgerigar Breed Variations

• Normal/Wild Type: Green body with yellow head and black stripes on the back of the head.
• Skyblue: Light blue body coloration.
• Cobalt: Deeper, richer blue coloration compared to skyblue.
• Violet: Budgies with purple or violet hues, often with a gradient effect.
• Greywing: A mutation affecting the distribution of color pigments, resulting in a softer, diluted appearance.
• Clearwing: Similar to greywing, but with even lighter markings, creating a more translucent effect.
• Yellowface: A mutation affecting the coloration of the face and head feathers, often resulting in a yellow or golden hue.
• Spangle: Budgies with distinct markings or spots on their feathers, creating a spangled appearance.
• Crested: Budgies with a prominent tuft of feathers on their heads, known as a crest.
• Dominant Pied: Budgies with large patches of white interspersed with their base color.
• Recessive Pied: Budgies with smaller patches of white, often appearing as if the base color is “faded” or diluted.
• Lutino: Yellow or white with red eyes, lacking melanin pigmentation.
• Albino: Pure white with pink eyes, also lacking melanin pigmentation.
• Opaline: A mutation affecting the distribution of pigments, resulting in a unique feather pattern.
• Cinnamon: A brownish-red coloration, often with a cinnamon-like hue.
• Rainbow: A mix of various colors on a single bird, achieved through selective breeding.

Rare and Unique Variations of Parakeet Breeds

• Half-Sider: A budgie with two distinct colors, divided down the middle of its body, caused by a rare genetic mutation.
• Dark-Eyed Clear: A variety with clear body feathers and normal eye color.
• Pied Markings: Birds with irregular patches of color interspersed with their base color.
• Fallow: Budgies with a light brownish coloration, often resembling fallow deer.

Factors Influencing Color Variations

• Genetics: Inheritance of specific genes determines the color and pattern variations in budgies.
• Selective Breeding: Breeders selectively pair birds with desired traits to produce specific color mutations.
• Mutation Rate: Some color mutations occur naturally at a low rate and are then selectively bred to establish the variation.

Care and Considerations for Parakeet Breed

Regardless of color variation, all budgies require similar care, including a balanced diet, proper housing, socialization, and regular veterinary check-ups. Birds of all types  can thrive when stimulated, so consider training your bird for fun and good behavior.

Parakeet Breed Availability

While common color variations are readily available through pet stores and breeders, rarer mutations may be more challenging to find and may come at a higher cost due to their scarcity.

Overall, the wide array of color variations in budgerigars makes them a fascinating and visually appealing pet choice for bird enthusiasts worldwide.