I have a theory that many of us in aviculture today started off their lifelong love of parrots by caring for a small bird. Whether you are a child, have a child or are an adult, don’t overlook these wonderful treasures. Caring for one of them may open up a fresh, new world for you — I know it did for me.

Budgerigar
Most people call the budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) by its nickname: budgie. However, Americans unfamiliar with its correct name tend to call the budgie a parakeet, which is a generic term for a small parrot used for many of the small bird species. Just remember that  although all budgies are parakeets, not all parakeets are budgies – so use the name budgie.

**For the full article, pick up the 2007 issue of Birds USA**