A parakeet is a small, colorful parrot with a long tail, often kept as a pet. Many pet parakeets are bright green or blue, though they can be yellow, white, or other colors too. They're about the size of your hand and are known for being cheerful, social birds that chirp and whistle a lot.

Some parakeets are native to Australia, where wild flocks of hundreds or even thousands fly together across open grasslands. In the wild, one well-known species is called the budgerigar (or budgie for short), though many people just call them parakeets. These smart little birds can learn to mimic human speech if you work with them patiently, though their squeaky voices sound quite different from larger parrots like African greys.

Pet parakeets love company and often do better in pairs since they're naturally social creatures. They enjoy climbing on perches, playing with toys, and nibbling on things with their curved beaks. If you've ever visited someone with a parakeet, you've probably noticed how active and curious they are, hopping around their cage and checking out everything happening nearby. In classrooms and homes around the world, parakeets can make engaging pets for people who enjoy watching birds be their energetic, chatty selves.