Historical information

The budgie is a very social bird, found in large groups in the wild. They primarily live across mainland Australia. They are often found near water. Budgies are very popular pets globally (called parakeets in other countries). They eat grasses and seeds. They nest in hollowed trees.

Budgies in the wild are often right green with a yellow face. This specimen is a good example because it has the common colouring of wild budgies and has not got signs of wear/use.

This specimen is part of a collection of almost 200 animal specimens that were originally acquired as skins from various institutions across Australia, including the Australian Museum in Sydney and the National Museum of Victoria (known as Museums Victoria since 1983), as well as individuals such as amateur anthropologist Reynell Eveleigh Johns between 1860-1880. These skins were then mounted by members of the Burke Museum Committee and put-on display in the formal space of the Museum’s original exhibition hall where they continue to be on display. This display of taxidermy mounts initially served to instruct visitors to the Burke Museum of the natural world around them, today it serves as an insight into the collecting habits of the 19th century.

Significance

This specimen is part of a significant and rare taxidermy mount collection in the Burke Museum. This collection is scientifically and culturally important for reminding us of how science continues to shape our understanding of the modern world. They demonstrate a capacity to hold evidence of how Australia’s fauna history existed in the past and are potentially important for future environmental research.

This collection continues to be on display in the Museum and has become a key part to interpreting the collecting habits of the 19th century.

Physical description

This male budgie is perched with its wings partially opened and looking to the left. It has a yellow head with black stripes on the back, indicating the specimen was quite aged before it was killed. It has a blue nose, indicating it is male. Its body is light green. Its wings are green-yellow with black lines. Its tail is a blue-green. It has some minor pest damage around its eyes.

Inscriptions & markings

no markings or identification tags