I just read on some forum or list that they are trying to get the classification of Linnies changed because they are not really a Parakeet, but a true parrot. Now Budgies also are not a Parakeet, they are also a true parrot so what are TRUE Parakeets?

Well, the budgie people will know better than me but I thought that Parakeet refered to short body, long tailin which case bugies would be a true parakeet and linnies would not. But I'm not positive, so hopefully someone with knowledge will come around

As far as I know the term Parakeet refers to the long tail. I can understand why they would change the Linnie to Parrot. They are all considered 'true parrots', short or long tail - to my knowledge. Aside: The Burke's Parakeet was always grouped with other grass parakeets until finally given its own section, like the Budgies, as they do not cross breed with the others.

So Budgies [small], Quaker & Indian Ringnecks [medium], Alexandrians [large] are all examples of parakeets. Here are the Psittacula group of parakeet ~ Psittacula World

What often drives Budgie owners crazy is that Americans often refer to the Budgie as a Parakeet - no one else does outside of the States. They are assuming the Budgie is the only one & miss the puzzlement of others who are confused, wondering which type of Parakeet they are talking about.

Budgies, being the more specific name for ONE kind of parakeet (as already pointed out), are true parrots as well.

Parrot characteristics:
Characteristic features of parrots include a strong curved bill, an upright stance, strong legs, and clawed zygodactyl feet.

I've always thought that the classification of Linnies as parakeets is wrong due to them having a short tail.

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Aves
Order: Psittaciformes - parrot type birds the hook bill zygodactyl feet etc division.

Family: Psittacidae....................................... .........Family: Cacatuidae
all parrot type birds except ....................................teils and toos.

Genus
Species

I am not sure why a macaw has a long pointed tail, yet is a parrot not a parakeet. A conure has his own category having a cone shaped tail, not quite as flat as the parakeets.

There was a huge argument over this recently on a linnie list to which I belong. Feelings were hurt, mud was slung and apologies given. All over whether it should be lineolated parakeet or lineolated parrot. Whatever you call it , it is one wonderful bird.

Thanks everyone.

I just call 'em lovely linnies across the board b/c quite honestly, that's what they are to me

Wow Nancy - I can't see you liking that one bit - not your style.
If this kind of thing wasn't so hurtful it would be laughable. Unbelievable - I can be lame & not very deep, but really! Why would anyone get upset over something like that?

'Matter of opinion' is not the 'be all end all' - Flat World Society not withstanding.

Perhaps we should just not worry about 'Parakeet' - after all they are still considered a parrot [aren't they?].

IMO

Yes, they are a parrot...and that was what all the hoopla was about...
They have more of the parrot features... then the parakeet..
And people just over look them because they think they are just high priced parakeets...