ANBC Judges Coordinator Report July 2026

Hi All:

Now that the ANBC National Show has concluded, and with the earlier State and Zone Shows completed, including their respective selections for the Nationals. Our attention naturally turns to the upcoming breeding season.

I’ve always found the ANBC National Show to be a powerful motivator, and I hope it has inspired you as well. As Judges & Exhibitors, you will often hear discussion around the backline of an exhibit. There are many factors that can affect or influence the appearance of a budgerigar’s backline, and it’s important we understand these nuances when assessing birds or planning pairings.

Understanding Backline Influences

Some exhibits genuinely possess a poor backline—appearing lumpy or uneven, and not reflecting the smooth contour described in the ANBC Standard “description of perfection.”

However, several other factors can mimic or exaggerate the appearance of a poor backline:

Over-showing posture Birds that stand closer than 30 degrees from vertical can distort the natural line of the back.
Crossed wings When a bird crosses its wings, the backline is visually disrupted.
Broad or dropped flights Birds that drop their wings or spread their flight feathers—often due to laziness in the show cage—can appear to have a poor backline.
Dropped or hinged tail A tail that is not carried correctly will alter the perceived flow of the backline.
Lack of back skull depth Sometimes what appears to be a poor backline is actually a Bird lacking depth of back skull. This can affect the backline of the Exhibit.

Implications for Breeding

As with all traits, it’s important to consider these factors when pairing birds. Understanding whether a backline issue is structural, behavioural, or posture-related can help us make more informed breeding decisions.

Food for thought as some of you continue your breeding season and others prepare to begin.

Regards,

James Bader

ANBC Judges Co‑Ordinator