1. Increased Chirping and Singing:
Budgies that are ready to breed often become more vocal and engage in frequent singing and chirping. The males, in particular, may sing more elaborate and prolonged songs to attract females.
2. Displaying and Posturing:
Both male and female budgies may engage in display behaviours to showcase their attractiveness to potential mates. This includes fluffing their feathers, spreading their tails, and raising their wings while bobbing their heads.
3. Nest-Building:
Female budgies will start showing interest in building a nest or preparing a nesting site when they are ready to lay eggs. They may start gathering nesting materials such as twigs, straw, and feathers, and transporting them to the chosen spot.
4. Regurgitation and Courtship Feeding:
Male budgies may engage in courtship feeding by regurgitating food and offering it to the female as a display of affection and willingness to provide for her and their future offspring.
5. Tail Fanning:
Both males and females may fan their tails while sitting close to each other or during courtship displays. This behaviour communicates their intention to mate.
6. Increased Aggression:
Budgies may become more aggressive and territorial when they are in breeding mode, especially towards other budgies or potential competitors.
7. Increased Preening:
Budgies may also spend more time preening and grooming themselves, particularly around the head and neck area, as part of their courtship displays.
8. Touching and Nudging:
Budgies may gently nudge or touch each other with their beaks or wings as a sign of affection and interest in mating.
9. Copulation:
When a receptive female allows the male to mount her, they will engage in copulation, which is the physical process of mating. The male will transfer his sperm to the female during this process.
It is important to note that not all budgies will display all of these behaviours at the same time. Some may be more obvious, while others may be more subtle. Additionally, the timing and progression of these behaviours can vary depending on the individual budgies and their environmental conditions.