Mike Clinton
Introduction: Budgerigars and Their Name
Budgerigars, also known as budgies, are small parrots native to Australia. These colorful birds are popular as pets and are widely recognized for their sweet chirping sounds and playful personalities. But have you ever wondered about the origin of their name? In this article, we will take a closer look at the history of the budgerigar name and how it came to be.
Australian Aboriginals and the Budgerigar
Budgerigars have a rich cultural significance for the Australian Aboriginals. They were considered to be spiritual totems and were often depicted in rock art and dreamtime stories. The aboriginals had their own name for the budgerigar, which varied between different regions. In some areas, they were called "Kakarikis" or "Kakarrats," while in others, they were known as "Yelkouan" or "Murrumbidgee." The aboriginals also used budgerigar feathers for decorative purposes, such as making headdresses, necklaces, and other items.
Europeans and the Discovery of Budgerigars
The first Europeans to encounter the budgerigar were Dutch explorers in the late 17th century. However, it wasn’t until the early 19th century that they became more widely known in Europe. In 1805, the naturalist George Shaw described the budgerigar in his book "General Zoology," which quickly sparked interest among European bird enthusiasts. The budgerigar was soon imported to Europe, where it became a popular cage bird.
Naming the Budgerigar: Early European Attempts
Early European attempts to name the budgerigar were confusing and inconsistent. Some referred to the bird as the "Canary Parrot," while others called it the "Shell Parakeet" or "Scalloped Parakeet." The lack of a standardized name made it difficult for bird traders and enthusiasts to communicate effectively.
The First Use of the Term "Budgerigar"
It wasn’t until the mid-19th century that the term "budgerigar" was first used to describe the bird. The word "budgerigar" is believed to have been derived from the Australian Aboriginal word "Betcherrygah." This term was used by the Kamilaroi people of New South Wales to describe a small green parrot that resembled the budgerigar. The word "budgerigar" was soon adopted by European bird enthusiasts and became the standardized name for the species.
The Evolution of the Budgerigar Name
Over time, the budgerigar name evolved to include new variations and regional differences. In the United States, the bird is often referred to as a "parakeet," while in Australia, it is known as a "budgie." Other variations include "shell parakeet," "scalloped parakeet," and "canary parrot."
Budgerigars in Popular Culture and Their Name
Budgerigars have become a beloved pet for many people around the world, including celebrities. The famous author, Ernest Hemingway, had a pet budgerigar named "Pete," and the comedian, Bob Hope, was known for his love of the birds. Budgerigars have also appeared in popular culture, such as in the animated movie "Rio," where one of the main characters is a blue budgerigar named "Blu."
Scientific Classification and the Budgerigar Name
The scientific name for the budgerigar is "Melopsittacus undulatus," which is derived from the Greek words "melos" (meaning song), "psittakos" (meaning parrot), and "undulatus" (meaning wavy). This name reflects the bird’s musical chirping sounds and its wavy feather pattern.
Modern Usage of the Name "Budgerigar"
Today, the name "budgerigar" is widely recognized and used to refer to the species both in scientific and popular contexts. As a popular pet, the budgerigar is often referred to simply as a "budgie" or "parakeet."
Conclusion: The Legacy of the Budgerigar Name
The origin of the budgerigar name is a fascinating story that reflects the bird’s cultural significance and its journey from Australia to Europe and beyond. Today, the name "budgerigar" is synonymous with these beloved and playful birds, and its legacy continues to endure. Whether you call them "budgies," "parakeets," or "shell parakeets," there is no denying the enduring charm and appeal of these feathered friends.