June 27, 2024, 10:45 am | Read time: 5 minutes
Budgerigars, like parrots, are among the most vocally acrobat birds in the world. They imitate noises, such as the human voice, perfectly, amazing us with whole sentences. These ornamental birds are also very communicative with each other. PETBOOK found out what they are saying to their owners and fellow species in these songs and with the noises they make.
When British researchers heard the sounds of the first flocks of budgerigars in Australia in 1800, they were most likely astonished to hear the birds mimicking their sentences. They may have even thought the birds were talking to them. The animal painter and ornithologist John Gould was so captivated by these Australian birds that, in 1840, he brought several specimens and other animals back to Europe. Fortunately, in 1884, to protect the birds and prevent their extinction, the Australian government implemented an export ban, which remains in effect today. Around the world, many animal lovers enjoy the songs of budgerigars.
Unfortunately, for decades, millions of these ‘wavy singing parrots’ have been kept in isolation, primarily for their owners’ amusement. It is now understood that budgerigars thrive in the company of a flock. The social behavior of these feathered companions can most effectively be observed within a group.
How budgies communicate
To the human ear, their chirping and babbling may at first sound like an endless monotony. But if you listen more closely to the budgerigars, you will notice that some sounds and vocalizations, such as surprised whistling, can also be heard in different situations. Most budgerigars make these sounds and noises in specific situations.
Similar to humans, each bird has its own unique voice. Budgerigars are adept at mimicking ambient sounds and human speech. In Australia, the birds even talk to each other for more than two hours a day.
The vocalizations you can hear in budgerigars and what they mean
While the songs of many ornamental birds, like the canary, sound very melodic, the songs of budgerigars sound more like a mixture of chirping, humming, and cooing. Now and again, they produce a loud whistle, for example, during their contact call. Their vocal palette ranges from friendly and amused to angry and threatening.
Positive vocalizations
The feel-good song
If a budgie is sitting in its favorite place and feels really comfortable, it will sing happily to itself. In this case, his cheerful song is not directed at any of his fellow birds; rather, he is expressing that he is happy with himself and the world. You may hear him chirping with an added trill now and again.
When feeding
If a pair of budgerigars live together and the female is fed by the male, you can often hear chirping and squeaking sounds.
Begging for food
Very young budgerigar chicks make chirping and begging noises when they are very hungry or when their parents approach. This can be almost continuous in the first few weeks of life, unless the hungry chicks are asleep.
Courtship
When courting, you may often hear a melodic song performed repetitively. This song consists of many notes performed in rapid succession, with the budgie pecking at their partner’s beak in between.
Partner song
When two budgerigars are paired, the slightly fluffed-up male sits in front of his partner with a slightly bent posture and sings a melodic song to her. More rarely, the female also sings to her mate. But same-sex budgies are also sung to.
Humming
If two budgies peck with each other and one starts humming very quietly, then this would indicate a request to be cuddled by the other. You can also hear humming when a budgie wants to be fed.
Contact calls
If a budgie wants attention from another budgie or its owner, it calls loudly and repeatedly into the room. Each budgie has its own individual calling sound.
Negative vocalizations
Groaning
If you hear groaning noises while flying or during other physical exertion, it may well be that the bird is suffering from obesity or another health problem. This should definitely be checked by a vet.
Threatening sounds
If a male budgerigar tries to mate with a female that has already been mated, the male partner will coo quietly but firmly at the rival. The threat is usually accompanied by an indignant flapping or twitching of the wings until the intruder pulls back. If the rival does not disappear, the legitimate partner emits shrill cries of alarm before they attack.
Cackling
General displeasure and a bad mood are expressed as cackles. It sounds very sharp and shrill, and is often repeated several times. A cackle is normally heard when a budgie wants to go to its favorite place, but another budgie occupies it. Sometimes, the cackling sounds stressed and almost toneless. However, it can also sound almost panicked or even hysterical if the bird is feeling threatened.
Protest
For instance, if one partner is too rough during preening, the other may vocalize sounds of protest.
By the way, many know the typical “scolding” sound of budgies. This is made when the budgie is angry, but also during courtship, where it is sometimes incorporated into benevolent songs. “Astonished” whistling can also be interpreted in different ways. For example, if the owner turns off the light, a short whistle can almost sound like a question: “What, is it bedtime already?” If a budgie is startled because another budgie suddenly flies up, a short (startled) whistle in acknowledgement can also follow.
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What noises do budgies make?
In addition to the sounds that budgerigars make with their voice, they also make instrumental sounds.
Crunching with the beak
If the budgie is dozing off and about to fall asleep, some will crunch their beaks. This is probably because it feels comfortable and helps them feel at ease as they drift off.
Breathing noises
If a ‘smacking crack’ sound is heard, the budgie likely has health issues such as mucus in the bronchial tubes, possibly due to an infection or inhaling some foreign material. If this happens, see a vet immediately.
Conclusion
Budgerigar’s social behavior is fascinating. If you listen carefully, you will learn a lot more about them.
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