Budgerigar Varieties, Breeds & Colours
Over 30 known varieties (mutations) or breeds of the budgerigar exist. Some are common, while others are rare, and Australia has yet to see some, such as the Japanese Homograph. The Standard defines the Standard of Excellence for each variety, and in so doing, it creates a Matrix for Budgie Colours Australia. With this in mind, the structure of the Matrix consists of three sections. Firstly, Normals (the Variety name), which come in different primary colors (Green, Blue, and the two Yellow Faced Blue mutations). Secondly, variety mutations that occur in any of the primary and modifying colors. Thirdly, the Crested, which is caused by mutations that affect the feather outline of the bird. Finally, there is the Whitecap class, as well as the Hens class, making up the Budgerigar Varieties.
For the ANBC National Titles, there are currently 28 Classes for birds. To clarify, there is no class as such for Saddlebacks or Darkwings, which are recognised in The Standard. Owing to the fact that there is an Opaline AOSV class, the composite variety Rainbow is shown here. On the other hand, there is a separate Hens class. To that end, it delineates females, who can be shown in the Hens class, or their respective variety class. A point often overlooked is that this decision on which class to place the hen here in SA is up to the exhibitor when they enter the show. To illustrate, the Standard allows for sexual differences throughout. Ideally, the hen has less frontal rise, less rounded top skull, a wider pelvis, and a brown cere, when compare with her male counterpart. The hens class here in Australia is irrespective of the Budgie Colours.
Budgie Colours Australia
Classes For the ANBC National Titles
- Class 1 – Normal Green
- Class 2 – Normal Grey Green
- Class 3 – Normal Blue
- Class 4 – Normal Violet
- Class 5 – Normal Grey
- Class 6 – Normal Yellowface Any Standard Colour
- Class 7 – Normal Australian Golden Face
- Class 8 – Normal Black Eyed Self Coloured
- Class 9 – Dilute Any Standard Colour
- Class 10 – Lutino
- Class 11 – Albino
- Class 12 – Clearwing Any Standard Colour
- Class 13 – Greywing Any Standard Colour
- Class 14 – Cinnamon Wing
- Class 15 – Spangle Double Factor
- Class 16 – Opaline Any Standard Colour
- Class 17 – Opaline Any Other Standard Variety
- Class 18 – Clearbody
- Class 19 – Lacewing
- Class 20 – Fallow
- Class 21 – Spangle Any Standard Colour
- Class 22 – Spangle Any Other Standard Variety
- Class 23 – Dominant Pied
- Class 24 – Recessive Pied
- Class 25 – Crested
- Class 26 – Dark Eyed Clear
- Class 27 – Hens Class
- Class 28 – Australian White Cap
Finally, for more on Budgie Colours Australia, be sure to check out our Facebook page.