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 – Australian White Cap
Class 28 – Hens Class