Budgerigars, also known as budgies. These are one of the most popular pet birds in the world. These small parrots are beloved for their vibrant colors and lively personalities. Understanding the various budgie color variations can be overwhelming due to their vast range.
Budgies have many colors, like bright blues, rich greens, and rare whites. Each shade has its own special features, making budgies a beautiful and interesting sight.
This article will guide you through the Budgerigar color chart with pictures, helping you understand the common colors, mutations, and special traits of these delightful birds.
Table of Contents
Budgie Color Guide
| Mutation | Description | Eye Color | Gender |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cobalt | Deep, vibrant blue coloration across the body feathers. | Dark or Black | Both |
| Lutino | Mostly yellow with orange cheek patches and red eyes. | Red | Both |
| Sky Blue | Lighter shade of blue compared to cobalt, often with a slightly pastel appearance. | Dark or Black | Both |
| Albino | Pure white feathers, pink eyes, and beak. | Pink | Both |
| Slate | A darker shade of blue with a greyish tint to the feathers. | Dark or Black | Both |
| Lacewing | Similar to lutino but with white or light-colored markings on the wings. | Red | Both |
| Violet | A combination of blue and purple hues, resulting in a rich, royal blue color. | Dark or Black | Both |
| Clearwing | Clear, transparent feathers on the wings and body. | Dark or Black | Both |
| Mauve | Similar to violet but with a more muted, lavender-like appearance. | Dark or Black | Both |
| Rainbow | A combination of multiple color mutations, resulting in a vibrant and colorful plumage. | Varies | Both |
| Turquoise | A blend of blue and green hues, creating a unique teal-like color. | Dark or Black | Both |
| Dilute | A lighter, more washed-out version of the standard blue coloration. | Dark or Black | Both |
| Pied | Patches of white or light-colored feathers mixed with primary body coloration. | Dark or Black | Both |
| Grey | Typical grey coloration, often with a yellow face and orange cheek patches. | Dark or Black | Both |
| Yellow-faced | Grey body feathers with a yellow face and orange cheek patches. | Dark or Black | Both |
| Spangle | White or light-colored feathers mixed with the primary body color, creating a spangled appearance. | Dark or Black | Both |
| Opaline | A mutation that affects the distribution of color, resulting in a softer, more blended appearance. | Dark or Black | Both |
| Cinnamon | Warm brownish hue to feathers, especially on wings and tail. | Dark or Black | Both |
Which Color Budgie is Best?
Choosing the best color budgie depends on personal preference. Some people like the vibrant greens and yellows of traditional budgies. Others prefer the cooler tones of blue and white.
The blue and green budgie, which combines these colors, is a favorite among breeders. This combination allows for a stunning display of both vibrant and cool hues. When selecting a budgie, consider your taste and the availability of specific colors.
Also, think about the bird’s health and temperament. While color plays a significant role, the bird’s personality is just as important. Ultimately, the best color budgie is the one that brings you the most joy.
Also Read: Cockatiel Color Chart
What’s the Rarest Budgie Color?
Some budgie colors are rare. This rarity is often due to specific genetic mutations. Violet budgies, with their deep purple hues, are highly sought after because they are unique. Clearwing budgies, with clear wings and no black markings, are also rare.
Another rare budgie color is the rainbow budgie. This type displays a mix of vibrant colors in a single bird. This color variation results from a complex combination of genetic traits, making it hard to replicate.
Rare budgie colors often require careful breeding. As a result, these birds are highly prized by collectors and breeders. They add a touch of exclusivity to any aviary.
Blue Budgie Colors
Blue budgies are among the most popular. Their shades range from pale sky blue to deep cobalt. You often see these variations in Budgie breeding color charts. Blue budgies usually have white faces and black stripes across their foreheads and down their backs.
This creates a striking contrast. The vibrant blue feathers are a favorite because they are both calming and eye catching. Breeding blue budgies requires an understanding of genetics. Dominant and recessive genes play a key role in producing these colors.
In addition to the standard blue, breeders can achieve variations like violet and mauve by carefully selecting parent birds with specific traits. This diversity in Budgie Breeding Color ensures there’s a blue budgie for every taste.
| Color Mutation | Description | Eye Color |
|---|---|---|
| Cobalt | Deep, vibrant blue coloration across the body feathers. | Dark or Black |
| Sky Blue | Lighter shade of blue compared to cobalt, often with a slightly pastel appearance. | Dark or Black |
| Slate | A darker shade of blue with a greyish tint to the feathers. | Dark or Black |
| Violet | A combination of blue and purple hues, resulting in a rich, royal blue color. | Dark or Black |
| Mauve | Similar to violet but with a more muted, lavender-like appearance. | Dark or Black |
| Turquoise | A blend of blue and green hues, creating a unique teal-like color. | Dark or Black |
| Dilute | A lighter, more washed-out version of the standard blue coloration. | Dark or Black |
Green Budgie Mutations
Green budgies are the classic color. This shade is closely associated with budgie mutations because the green pigment is dominant in the wild. Green budgies have yellow faces with black stripes, like their blue counterparts.
The body feathers are a rich green, giving a lively and vibrant look. Green budgies are popular among breeders due to their natural resilience. They are often used in breeding programs to introduce strength and vigor into other color mutations.
Despite being the most common color, green budgies have many variations. There are light green, dark green, and olive budgies, each with unique characteristics.
| Mutation | Description | Eye Color |
|---|---|---|
| Normal Green | Bright green body with yellowish markings on the face and wings. | Dark or Black |
| Olive Green | A darker shade of green with a muted, olive-like appearance. | Dark or Black |
| Dark Green | Deeper and richer green coloration throughout the body feathers. | Dark or Black |
| Yellow-faced Green | Green body feathers with a yellow face and orange cheek patches. | Dark or Black |
| Lacewing | Green body feathers with white or light-colored markings on the wings. | Dark or Black |
| Clearwing | Green body feathers with clear, transparent markings on the wings. | Dark or Black |
| Cinnamon Green | Green body feathers with a warm brownish hue, especially noticeable on the wings and tail. | Dark or Black |
All White Budgie Mutation Colors
All white budgies, also called albino budgies, are unique mutations. They have no pigmentation, leading to pure white feathers. This type is interesting to those exploring all budgie colors.
The white mutation is a genetic change that prevents melanin production. This results in their pure appearance without the typical black stripes. White budgies are valued for their serene look. They are often a favorite among bird owners who prefer a minimalist aesthetic.
Despite lacking color, they are just as lively and sociable as other budgies. Breeders work to produce white budgies with a variety of eye colors. These can range from deep red to bright blue, adding to their uniqueness.
| Mutation | Description | Eye Color |
|---|---|---|
| Albino | Pure white feathers, pink eyes, and beak. | Pink |
| Dark-eyed Clear | White to pale gray feathers, dark eyes, lacks pigment in plumage. | Dark |
| Lacewing | White body feathers with white or light-colored markings on the wings. | Dark or Red |
| Clearwing | White body feathers with clear, transparent markings on the wings. | Dark or Black |
| Dilute | Lighter, more washed-out version of the standard white coloration. | Dark or Black |
Yellow Budgie Mutations
Yellow budgies bring brightness and warmth to any aviary. This color variation results from a mutation that alters the usual green pigment. Lutino budgies are the most common association with yellow.
These budgies have bright yellow feathers and distinctive red eyes. However, Yellow budgie Mutations include more than just the Lutino type. The genetics behind yellow budgies can be complex. They are often the result of a combination of recessive traits.
Breeders aim to produce a specific shade or pattern. A yellow body with white wings, known as a lacewing, is a unique variation. Breeders may also focus on variations like yellow face budgies. Here, a blue budgie female has a yellow head, creating a striking contrast.
| Mutation | Description | Eye Color |
|---|---|---|
| Lutino | Predominantly yellow with orange cheek patches and red eyes. | Red |
| Yellow-faced | Yellow body feathers with a yellow face and orange cheek patches. | Dark or Black |
| Yellow-sided | Yellow body feathers with yellow or orange markings on the sides. | Dark or Black |
| Yellow-crested | Yellow body feathers with a yellow crest. | Dark or Black |
| Yellow-pied | Yellow body feathers with patches of white or light-colored feathers mixed with the primary yellow color. | Dark or Black |
Blue and White Budgies
Blue and white budgies mix the cool blues with pure white. This color combo is popular with people who like two different shades together. These budgies have various patterns. Some are solid blue with a white face.
Others have detailed black and white marks on their wings. The black and white budgies are loved for their unique feather patterns. Breeders often use blue and white budgies in their programs to create new color variations.
Pet owners like these budgies because they can have different looks, and they are playful and fun. Their versatility and appealing colors make them a popular choice for many homes.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Color Combination | Blue and white budgies combine cool blue tones with the purity of white. |
| Patterns | They can have various patterns: solid blue bodies with white faces or intricate black and white wing markings. |
| Breeding Usage | Blue and white budgies are often used in breeding programs to create new and unique color variations. |
| Popularity | This color is popular among pet owners due to its versatility and appealing look. |
| Temperament | Blue and white budgies are known for their playful personalities, making them a fun addition to any home. |
| Eye Color | These budgies usually have dark eyes, complementing their feather patterns. |
Also read: Pigeon Color Chart
Conclusion
Budgerigars are a colorful and diverse group of birds. This budgerigar color chart with pictures is a useful tool for identifying and understanding the different color mutations within the species.
From classic greens and blues to unique whites and yellows, each budgie color has its charm. Whether you’re a breeder or a pet owner, there’s a budgie color for everyone. The key to choosing the right budgie is to find the one that makes you happiest.