: The budgerigar is the only species in the Australian genus Melopsittacus . It is a "true parrot," closely related to lories and fig parrots.

: Wild budgerigars are naturally green and yellow with black scalloped markings on their back and wings. Captive breeding has produced over 70 color mutations, including blue, white, grey, and violet.

: Gender is determined by the color of the cere (the fleshy area above the beak): Adult Males : Generally have a bright, vibrant blue cere.