What is the Difference Between English Budgie and American Budgie?

Both the English Budgie as well as the American Budgie have very different appearances, temperaments, and characteristics. The American Budgie (also known as the Australian Budgie) is usually quite small but can be vocal and loud in its own home.

The English Budgie (also known as the Show Budgie and Exhibition Budgie) is larger but does not vocalize nearly as much or loudly. The English Budgie is also more laid-back and a more domesticated pet, with a sweeter nature. However, it takes consistent and regular handling in order to stop the American Budgie from biting its fingers.

Both breeds are larger, even the smaller American Budgie.

Visual Differences

A Glance

English Budgie

• Adult height: 10-12 Inches
• Weight of an adult: 7 to 2.1 ounces
• Lifespan: 7 to 9 years
• Exercise: Daily
• Families-friendly:
• Pet-friendly places:
• Trainability: Low to moderate

American Budgie

• Average adult height: 7-9 inches
• Weight range (adult) 88-1,4 ounces
• Lifespan 8-10 years
• Exercise: Daily
• Families-friendly: handling
• Other pet-friendly places:
• Trainability: Low to moderate

English Budgie Overview

The English Budgie has also been called the Show Budgie and Exhibition Budgie. This name reflects the fact that the breed has undergone generation after generation, of selective breeding in order to produce show-quality examples of the bird. The English Budgie is larger and has more defined markings than the American Budgie, even though there are hundreds of acceptable colors and markings. The English Budgie is also quieter and easier to handle. He can be trained to perform some basic commands. The English Budgie may have a slightly shorter life expectancy than the American Budgie, possibly due to selective breeding.

Personality/Character

Over many generations, the English Budgie was trained to perform in exhibitions, shows, and competitions. He has therefore been bred for quietness and a laid-back attitude. The English Budgie does not bite and will happily hop onto a person’s fingers, even if they are not used to it.

The English Budgie is also trained to chirp as quietly as possible. The English Budgie has the same chance to develop a large vocabulary as its American counterpart. However, because he’s so quiet, he may not be able to recite all of those words.

Training

It is a great idea to finger-train any budgie. You can easily remove the bird from the cage to clean it, to examine him or to spend time with him. It is easier to get the bird out of the cage when you have trained it to hop on your finger. This will save both you and the budgie from having to chase the bird around the cage.

You should begin the process as quickly as possible. You can finger-train an English Budgie if you begin training him before he turns 4 months. He may also be able to learn to speak.

Health & Care

The English Budgie weighs and is about twice as large as the wild variety. His long tail feathers, bright plumage, and distinctive appearance make him stand out. If your budgie does not care for itself, he may not be happy. The English Budgie has a shorter life expectancy, but it is only a few months.

Compatible with:

The English Budgie will suit owners who are looking for a quiet, intelligent, and possibly loving pet bird. The English Budgie is also a great choice for those who want to exhibit their pet and they are capable of being trained, so can be a wonderful family pet for all ages.

American Budgie Overview

The American Budgie has undergone less rigorous selection than the English Budgie. He is likely to be larger than the Wild Budgie even though he’s closer to it. However, he is more vocal, more likely to bite fingers, and more difficult to train. He may not be the best choice for those looking for an almost silent avian companion.

Personality/Character

This is evident in the American Budgie’s temperament and personality. The American Budgie is more vocal but not necessarily more intelligent. He is not afraid to let you know what he feels, and will often bite and nip at your fingers.

The American Budgie is considered by some owners to be more difficult as a pet, as it’s not as tolerant or laid-back.

Training

The American Budgie’s difficult training is another area in which it is similar to the wild Budgie. The English Budgie is often finger-trained with ease, but it takes a lot of time and patience to do the same for an American Budgie. Start as early as possible. Budgies can usually leave their mothers at 10 weeks. If you start training at this age, you have the best chance at a well-behaved, well-adjusted pet.

Health & Care

The American Budgie lives a bit longer than the English Budgie. However, the difference between the two is not huge. American Budgies are very independent when it comes time to cleaning and preening, but make sure he does a good job.

Compatible with:

It takes more time to integrate the American Budgie into your family. You’ll need to spend time training him to be handled. This will stop the urge to bite your fingers. The American Budgie breed is best suited to owners who are willing to invest the time and energy and don’t mind the noise this breed produces.

Can English Budgies & American Budgies live together?

If you have problems, it is likely that the wilder but smaller American Budgies are causing them. The wilder, smaller American Budgies are more likely to cause problems than the passive and laid-back English Budgies. Be prepared to separate your birds from the cage if any signs of conflict arise. Although the American Budgie is smaller than its English counterpart, he can still injure and damage larger bird breeds.

Which is more likely to talk?

The American Budgie has a reputation for being more vocal and louder than its English counterpart. The American Budgie will voice his discontentment, unhappiness, and pleasure. But, surprisingly, it does not mean he is more likely to speak than his English cousin. Both budgies and English budgies can mimic human speech. Your persistence and training regime will determine the likelihood more than the breed of the budgie.

What breed is right for you?

The physical characteristics and attributes of the American Budgie and English Budgie differ greatly, despite both being descended from wild birds. The English Budgie is bred to be exhibited and for shows. It’s more likely to talk and sit on your finger. It can also be twice as big as the American Budgie.

The American Budgie or parakeet is closer to the wild species. The American Budgie is more vocal and chatty, but also more likely to bite at your fingers. He has a longer life expectancy because he’s closer to the wild bird. The English Budgie will be the best choice if you are looking for a bird that is quiet and can easily integrate into your family. If you prefer a bird more like a wild bird then the American Budgie would be ideal.