Parakeet
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A parakeet is any one of many small to medium-sized species of parrot, in multiple genera, that generally has long tail feathers.
Etymology and naming
The name parakeet is derived from the French word perroquet, which is reflected in some older spellings that are still sometimes encountered, including paroquet or paraquet. However, in modern French, perruche is used to refer to parakeets and similar-sized parrots.[1]
In American English, the word parakeet usually refers to the budgerigar, which is one species of parakeet.[2]
Summary
Parakeets comprise about 115 species of birds that are seed-eating parrots of small size, slender build, and long, tapering tails.[citation needed] The Australian budgerigar, also known as "budgie", Melopsittacus undulatus, is probably the most common parakeet. It was first described by zoologists in 1891. It is the most popular species of parakeet kept as a pet in North America and Europe.
The term "grass parakeet" (or grasskeet) refers to many small Australian parakeets native to grasslands such as the genus
In
A larger species may be referred to as "parrot" or "parakeet" interchangeably. For example, "Alexandrine parrot" and "Alexandrine parakeet" are two common names for the same species, Psittacula eupatria, which is one of the largest species normally referred to as a parakeet.
Many different species of parakeets are bred and sold commercially as pets, the budgerigar being the third most popular pet in the world,[3] after cats and dogs.
Breeding
Parakeets often breed more readily in groups; however, there can be conflicts between breeding pairs and individuals especially if space is limited. The presence of other parakeets encourages a pair to breed, which is why breeding in a group is better. Despite this, many breeders choose to breed in pairs to both avoid conflicts and know offspring's parentage with certainty. Parakeets lay an average of 4-8 eggs, while budgerigars (a species of parakeet) lay an average of 4-6 eggs.[citation needed]
European population
Belgian population
As of 2023[update], an estimated 10,000 parakeets lived in Brussels, the capital of Belgium. The total made them one of the most populous birds in the city, behind only pigeons and sparrows.[4]
Spain's parakeet control measures
According to a 2018 report, Spanish authorities drew up plans to curb the ever-growing population of parakeets, which reached 30,000 in locations such as Malaga.[5]
United Kingdom
In December 2019, Steven Le Comber, of
See also
References
- ^ "Quelles différences entre un perroquet et une perruche ?". Le Mag des Animaux. 23 February 2022. Retrieved 2023-02-11.
- ^ "What's the Difference Between Parakeets and Budgies?". The Spruce Pets. Retrieved 2024-01-22.
- ISBN 9780198525066.
- ^ Gross, Jenny (2023-11-10). "How Tropical Birds Took Over This European Capital, Bringing a 'Splash of Color'". The New York Times. Retrieved 2023-11-10.
- from the original on 2022-01-12. Retrieved 2020-02-02.
- ^ "Hendrix? Hepburn? Study busts myths about origins of UK's parakeets". The Guardian. 12 December 2019. Archived from the original on 12 December 2019. Retrieved 12 December 2019.
- ^ "Jimi Hendrix cleared of blame for UK parakeet release". BBC News. BBC. 12 December 2019. Archived from the original on 12 December 2019. Retrieved 12 December 2019.