The budgerigar, commonly known as the budgie, is a small, colorful parrot that is the third most popular pet in the world after only dogs and cats These beautiful birds are loved for their bright colors , for their charming personalities and ease of care. As pet owners and bird lovers know, budgies come in an amazing array of colors and shapes, due to various genetic mutations and selective breeding In this article we will explore 13 different budgie colors, variations and mutations, has highlighted the beauty and diversity of these lovely pets.
The Two Main Types of Budgerigar
Before diving into the myriad of colours, it’s important to understand the two main types of budgerigar: the traditional budgerigar and the English budgie.
Traditional Budgerigar
The traditional budgerigar, also known as the wild type or Australian budgie, is native to Australia. This budgie has a natural colour scheme of green and yellow with black and brown stripes, a combination of green and black for the flight and tail feathers. These colours provide excellent camouflage in their native habitat.
English Budgie
However, the English budgie is not a natural bird. Large English budgies were developed through pet commercial breeding programs and come in a wide variety of colours and patterns. These breeding efforts gave rise to many of the beautiful birds found in pet stores today.
Colour Variations of the English Budgie
All Budgies with non-traditional coloration have been bred in captivity. Through selective breeding, numerous colour mutations have been created. While there are more than 32 recognized colour mutations, this article will focus on 13 of the most common and visually striking ones. These colour variations can be grouped into two main subcategories: white-based and yellow-based.
White-Based Budgie Variations
White-based Budgies have color variations that primarily involve shades of blue, gray, and white. Let’s explore some of these fascinating mutations.
1. Sky Blue Budgie
The sky blue Budgie is the lightest blue color variation, created by removing the yellow pigment from a traditional green bird. This results in a beautiful, soft sky-blue color. Sky blue Budgies have bright purple cheek patches and dark blue tail feathers, making them easily identifiable.
2. Cobalt Budgie
Cobalt Budgies exhibit a much darker shade of blue due to the presence of a single dark factor. They maintain the bright purple cheeks and dark blue tails seen in sky blue Budgies but with a richer, deeper blue body coloration.
3. Mauve Budgie
With two dark factors, Mauve Budgies are the darkest blue variation, appearing almost gray with a blue tint. The bright purple cheeks and dark blue tails distinguish them from other grayish Budgies, adding a touch of vibrancy to their appearance.
4. Gray Budgie
Gray Budgies have lost all blue coloration, resulting in a predominantly gray body. They still have cheek patches, which can be blue, gray, or blue-gray, and their tail feathers are black. Gray Budgies come in light, medium, and dark shades, providing a range of subtle variations.
5. Violet Budgie
The violet Budgie possesses a darkening gene that enriches its primary body color. While this gene can affect both blue and green Budgies, it is most striking in blue Budgies, creating deep, captivating shades of violet.
6. White Budgie
True to their name, white Budgies are entirely white with no additional colorations. They can sometimes exhibit small accent colors, but pure white Budgies are a rarity, showcasing the absence of any pigmentation.
7. Albino Budgie
Albino Budgies are stark white due to the lack of pigment. Although they may possess dark factors, these do not display visually, resulting in a pure white appearance. Their red eyes are a telltale sign of albinism, adding to their distinctiveness.
Yellow-Based Budgie Variations
Yellow-based Budgies exhibit color variations primarily involving shades of green, yellow, and olive. Let’s explore some of these captivating mutations.
8. Light Green Budgie
The light green Budgie represents the traditional, natural coloration of wild Budgies. Without dark factors, this bird’s bright green plumage is created by the combination of blue and yellow factors deep in its genes. Selective breeding has unlocked these hidden colors, resulting in diverse variations.
9. Dark Green Budgie
Dark green Budgies have a single dark factor, producing a richer, less vibrant shade of green. Their cheek patches remain violet, and they sport dark blue tail feathers, giving them a slightly more muted yet still eye-catching appearance.
10. Olive Budgie
Olive Budgies represent the darkest green shade, resulting from two dark factors. Unlike most green Budgies, olive Budgies often have a splotchy appearance, with purple cheek patches and dark blue tails adding depth to their unique coloring.
11. Gray-Green Budgie
Gray-green Budgies closely resemble olive Budgies, but with distinct differences in cheek and tail coloration. Their cheeks are gray or blue, and their tail feathers are black, creating a striking contrast against their grayish-green bodies.
12. Yellow Budgie
Yellow Budgies offer a unique and vibrant appearance, ranging from completely yellow to mostly yellow with bright green patches on their undersides. Their cheerful color makes them a popular choice among Budgie enthusiasts.
13. Lutino Budgie
The Lutino Budgie is the yellow-based counterpart of the Albino Budgie. These birds exhibit a stunning yellow coloration with white or silver cheek patches. Lutinos lack the dark factors found in other Budgies, resulting in their bright, luminous appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions About Budgie Colors
How Do Budgie Color Mutations Occur?
Budgie color mutations occur due to genetic changes affecting pigmentation. Selective breeding has enhanced these natural mutations, resulting in the diverse array of colors seen today.
Can Budgies Change Color?
Budgies do not change color like chameleons, but their plumage may appear different due to molting, lighting, or health conditions. Molting is a natural process during which Budgies shed old feathers and grow new ones, sometimes leading to subtle color changes.
How Can I Identify My Budgie’s Mutation?
Identifying a Budgie’s mutation involves observing its coloration, cheek patches, and tail feathers. Consult a breeder or avian expert for assistance in determining your Budgie’s specific mutation.
Are Certain Budgie Colors More Popular?
While popularity varies among individuals, blue and green Budgies tend to be the most popular due to their vibrant colors and availability. However, rarer mutations, like Albino and Lutino, are also highly sought after for their unique appearance.