A majority of them measure 7” to 9.5” in length, from the tip of the bill over the head, to the tip of the tail. Some varieties measure more, but in any case, the difference wouldn't be more than three or four inches. In all cases, the tail by itself is nearly half the total length. Parakeets reach sexual maturity, at three or four months. Though they come with plumage of various color combinations, the bird is the same. The color difference is the result of breeders controlling the mating pattern, with birds of different colors and sizes. Thus they are in no way different from humans, with different complexions or different hair colors. A majority of the parakeet family have strong beaks with sharp tips, Introduction Parakeets like company, so two pet birds aren't a crowd. mainly used to crack seeds and dig holes. The upper part of the beak has the advantage of being slightly mobile. Parakeets have smooth, tapering plumage, and four toes on each foot, two each, in the front and the back. The Quaker parakeet is originally from southeastern Brazil and Argentina. Several mutations of these birds have resulted in successful creation of birds, of rare colors. It is no wonder that like rare varieties of roses, anyone who creates a new mutation of the bird becomes a rich man, in no time. Though many have spent time and energy to find fossil records of the parakeet family, the attempt has proved futile. So it's no wonder that their origin still remains a matter of speculation. One story goes that Alexander the Great imported a pair to Greece, after his conquests, in India. According to another version, parakeets originated in Australia and were referred to as 'budgerigar' by the aboriginals which means 'good bird' or 'good food'. Origin Introduction The Indian parakeet established itself in Britain in the 1840's. One theory is that parakeets escaped from the shooting of “The African Queen”, a film starring Katherine Hepburn. The Parakeet (Psittacus Undulatus) first came to Japan in the early part of the 19th Century, as the gift of a trader, to his girlfriend. It was introduced to Britain, around 1840. After that the birds spread rapidly throughout Europe, for the next 80-odd years. Then there was a decline in their popularity, mainly due to economic constraints. Then again, their popularity started rising after World War II, and the trend continues, even today. British avian researchers say that their predecessors in the 19th Century had recorded spotting a few of them, in the country, in 1855. Now, these numbers have vastly increased, and millions of parakeets of various hues are found in Britain. Historians hold that ancient Greek books had references to a plumheaded parakeet brought to the court of Arta Xerxes II, where the court physician noticed its ability, to imitate human speech. The parrot family was also famous in Rome. As trade relations with other Parakeets and men Introduction countries improved, traders were known to take these exotic birds to other countries --- either as gifts, or for sale. |