11 Amazing Parakeet Facts for Kids [UPDATED Facts] (2024)

Although native to the continent of Australia, parakeets are birds that are found all over the world now. These small, colorful, and beautiful birds are always found in pairs within larger flocks. Also known as ‘lovebirds’, these birds make excellent pets as well.

Parakeet is also spelled as Parrakeet. Parakeets are very affectionate birds that form strong bonds with their owners. Does your little one want parakeets as pets? In that case, you should be aware of some interesting facts about these cute little parrots.

Well, you have got your back. Just dive into this article on 11 amazing parakeet facts for kids and you will learn some astonishing characteristics of these birds.

11 Most Interesting & Fun Facts about Parakeets for Kids

Although small in size, these birds can surprise you in more than one way. They are colorful, vocal, and optimistic birds who love to snuggle with each other and their human companions.

With that short introduction, let us dive into some amazing facts about parakeets.

1. Parakeets are a type of small parrots

One would be amazed to know how diverse the parrot family is. From macaws to budgies to parakeets, this family is filled with color, happy, optimistic birds that love to interact.

As already mentioned, parakeets are a type of small parrots; a distant cousin if you say so. When you look at parakeets carefully, you are bound to notice various similarities with our friendly green birds.

They might not have a big red beak, but they do share a lot of characteristics with parrots.

2. Parakeets are highly social and interactive birds

Like most of their cousins, parakeets too, are very social birds. In the wild, you will find parakeets in huge groups, interacting and socializing with each other.

But their companionship does not just include their own kind. Human beings too can be great companions for these birds. They love to snuggle up to their owners and form strong bonds with them.

3. They need very special care in order to be healthy

Parakeets are very common birds chosen as pets. However, make sure that you do not just feed hen seeds. Parakeets have a tendency of putting on weight and too many seeds can do that.

Instead, they need a lot more variety in their diets. They love eating all sorts of fruits and vegetables along with berries, nuts, and seeds.

4. Covering their cage at night will help them sleep better

Parakeets are light sleepers. They wake up to the slightest noise of something falling or someone walking around the room or even bright lights.

Hence, it is always recommended that owners cover the cage of the parakeets when they sleep at night. This will help the birds get some good rest and they won’t be stressed out in the dark because of sounds.

5. There are many stories regarding how native Australian birds made their way to the United Kingdom

You might be wondering, how did the parakeets, birds that are native to the continent of Australia find their way all over the globe. Well, the exact story is not known, although there are various theories regarding the same.

For example, it is believed that Jimi Hendrix left a pair of parakeets free on the streets of London which led to the increase in the number of parakeets in the United Kingdom.

Another story tells how two parakeets escaped from the sets of the film ‘The African Queen’ and went on to breed and produce more parakeets.

Looks like we will never know the definite story as to how these birds managed to close the distance of oceans between and reach the other continents.

6. Parakeets are highly intelligent

Like the rest of their cousins, parakeets too, are highly intelligent and can be trained very well. These birds can be taught a wide range of vocabulary and words. In fact, conversing with parakeets can be quite entertaining and a nice pass time.

Additionally, parakeets are very easy to train. With some patience, you can even make them learn various tricks and also listen to cues.

Do you want to know more about these cousins like macaw, co*ckatoo or scarlet macaw? In that case, check out these articles-

• 11 Amazing Macaw Facts for Kids
• 11 Amazing Scarlet Macaw Facts for Kids
• 11 Amazing co*ckatoo Facts for Kids

7. One can tell the gender of a parakeet by looking at their beaks

One fascinating fact about the parakeets is that it can be very hard to tell the females apart from the males. However, one close look at their beaks and you will have no problem telling which is which.

A mature male parakeet will have a blue cere and a female will have a brown cere.

8. Parakeets are monogamous birds

Another aspect of parakeets that is similar to their cousins; the concept of monogamy. These birds are monogamous. This means that they will choose one mate and be with that mate for the rest of their lives.

In fact, monogamy is so strong in parakeets that they do not look for new partners when their mate passes away and often they die a while later too!

9. These birds have four toes on each foot

Unlike most other birds who have three toes, parakeets have four of them. Two point forward and the other two point backwards. This gives their feet an ‘X’ shape.

This helps the birds perch on one foot and stand. It has been observed that when these birds are on one foot, it means that they are just relaxing.

10. In case a parakeet is being quiet, it probably is sick

Parakeets are highly vocal birds. They love to interact with their own kind and even human beings. They also demand a lot of attention. Chances are that if you have parakeets in the house, they will most definitely let their presence be known.

However, in case that does not happen and the bird seems quiet and withdrawn, this can mean that it is seriously ill or in some discomfort.

11. These birds can throw upon you to show affection

Yes, you read that one correctly. However, a parakeet throwing up on a human being is considered to be a very good sign.

It means that the parakeet likes you and considers you to be a part of its family. The throw-up is a gesture to feed the people they get attached to. So next time your pet parakeet throws upon you, do not get disheartened. It means it likes you!

Different Types of Parakeets

Parakeets have various subspecies that consist of different birds. Below is a list of 13 different kinds of parakeets that you might come across.

• Alexandrine parakeets
• Monk parakeets
• Psittacula parakeets
• Plain parakeets
• Derbyan parakeets
• Rose-ringed parakeet
• Plum-headed parakeets
• Quaker parakeets
• Regent parakeets
• Lineolated or barred parakeets
• Moustache parakeets
• Bourke’s parakeets
• Brotogeris parakeets

There is another bird from this family, which is extremely colorful. That is the rainbow lorikeet. In case you want to know more about rainbow lorikeets, you can check out our article on them here- 11 Amazing Rainbow Lorikeet Facts for Kids

What is the difference between a Parrot & a Parakeet?

When it comes to parrots and parakeets, the difference is as much as a difference between a plane and a smaller plane. Parakeets are smaller parrots and share a lot of similarities. However, there are some differences between the two.

• Parrots are generally bigger in size than parakeets. Parrots can be 100 cm long whereas parakeets are 78-37 cm long.
• Parrots generally weigh around 2 to 8 pounds whereas parakeets weigh around 0.006 pounds.
• Although both birds can talk, parrots may sound harsh whereas parakeets sound musical.

Want to know some interesting facts about parrots, you can read our article on them here- 11 Amazing Parrot Facts for Kids

What is the difference between Parakeets and Budgies?

There is a common phrase. That is- all budgies are parakeets but all parakeets are not budgies. The names are used interchangeably in the United States of America. But there are some differences between the two birds.

• An average height of a budgie is 5-7 inches and an average parakeet is around 5-18 inches.
• An average budgie can weigh around 1.05 to 1.41 ounces while parakeets weigh around 1.05 to 1.76 ounces.
• Budgies have a lifespan of 5-10 years whereas parakeets have it for 10-20 years.

In case you want to know more about budgies, feel free to take a look at our article on the same- 11 Amazing Budgie Facts for Kids

Parakeet Facts for Kids Video

If you like to consume information in video format, you can watch this video:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Well, that was it, folks! You have made it to the end of the article ’11 Amazing Parakeet Facts for Kids.’ Hopefully, you and your little one had a great time learning about these pretty birds. Now that you know some of their characteristics, maybe get a pair of parakeets as pets!