Parakeet
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The term 'parakeet' is given to many smaller parrot species, usually slim birds with long pointed tails. In fact the word Parakeet means “long tail”. The Parakeet is a small bird, usually measuring between 7 - 18 inches. They are found all over the world and originated from many diverse habitats throughout Australia, Asia and regions of Africa, Central America and South America.
The normal Parakeet has a bright green chest with wings that are usually a mix of black and greens. Their head will usually be yellow and covered with black lines. There are many other variations of this colour scheme, including; yellow, blue (cobalt), violet, and albino.
It is natural for Parakeets to conceal their illness for as long as possible. In the wild if Parakeets show they are unwell they will often become the victims of predators. The average lifespan of a Parakeet is 8 to 10 years. However it is not unusual for them to live to 15 years of age.
In some species of Parakeet, males and females will form close bonds that often last longer than a single breeding season. Parakeets are intelligent and playful birds; they can mimic human speech or other sounds. They are sometimes known for being quite messy and loud, but are perfect for first time and bird owners.