Parakeet Habitat

Parakeets are a common bird found in most pet stores and a relatively easy bird to care for at home. Many people do not know that parakeets are small parrots found in the wild throughout the world. Parakeets can refer to budgies, green cheeked parakeets, Bourke's parakeets and orange chinned parakeets, among other types. The natural habitat is far different than the one parakeets have in a cage, but they also risk predators such as hawks and snakes.

  1. Description

    • The bill, much like the feathers, can be a variety of different colors.

      Parakeets come in a variety of sizes in the wild from small to medium. The colors are generally more vibrant than those in the pet store, but the color range is solely based on the number of parakeets in a particular family. Colors can range from reds and yellows to blue and green. The bird has a hooked bill it uses to hold onto things, climb or dig. It is also used to peel food and break seeds. Some parakeet species can even be taught to repeat phrases, songs and words and to whistle.

    Geography

    • The most common parakeet, called a budgie, is found in the outback and grasslands of Australia. This area is in the central part of the continent and is known for its dry climate. Parakeets can also be found in regions of Africa, Central and South American and Asia. The small bird lives in groups called a family. These families can have thousands of birds that can be seen flocking together. For this reason, the birds must travel often looking for enough water to live.

    Nests

    • Parakeets generally choose trees, logs, stumps or the sides of cliffs to build their nests -- anywhere that is near to food and water sources. The nests are made out of vines, twigs and any other materials that can be found in nature. Because the birds love to exercise and fly in open areas, they prefer not to build their nests in too enclosed of a space. These nests are not only their home, but where the parakeets lay eggs. A parakeet can reach maturity within two years and begin breeding. That is why many flocks of parakeets can reach into the thousands.

    Food

    • In captivity, parakeets eat bird seed, pellets and other treats. But in the wild, parakeets live on fresh greens and ripe green seeds, fruits and berries. They also enjoy scrub grass and plenty of fresh water, either from watering holes or from food itself. If parakeets do not get enough water in the wild, they will stop laying eggs until they are hydrated.