There are two different varieties of budgies, known as Standard Budgies and English/Show/Exhibition Budgies. These two varieties are not different species as the Standard Budgies stem directly from the native Australian Budgerigars, and the English/Show/Exhibition Budgies are “man-made” by selectively breeding for certain traits.

Physical Differences:

Standard Budgies are smaller than the English/Show Budgies. Their average weight can range from 25-40 grams. Standard budgies stem from the native budgies that originate in Australia. The native budgies have a green body color and rump, yellow head coloring, and black bars running down the back of the head and through the wings. The many, many color mutations seen today are the results of breeding in captivity.

Here is a picture of a Standard native Budgie:



English/Show/Exhibition Budgies are larger in size than Standard Budgies, and their feathers are generally longer and fuller around the face. Budgies were imported to England around the early 1900s, and possibly even before then. English breeders began breeding for certain characteristics, such as the larger head and body and the full crest. The larger crest can be raised for long periods of time; Standard Budgies can also raise a slight crest, but not to the extent of an English/Show Budgie. Multiple layers of neck spots and larger neck spots are also common among the English/Show Budgies. The average weight of an English/Show Budgie can range from 40-50 grams, and they are generally about a head taller than the Standard Budgies.

Here is a picture of an English/Show Budgie, with his crest raised:


Here are two pictures of a Standard Budgie beside an English/Show Budgie for a visual size and feature comparison:





Demeanor Differences:

Standard Budgies are known to be a bit more high-strung than English/Show Budgies, but both are playful and outgoing birds with great personalities. Thus far, I have not noticed a large difference in energy level between my Standard Budgie and English/Show Budgie.

Health Problems:

English/Show Budgies are known to have fertility problems. There are debates over whether or not English/Show Budgies have shorter life spans than the Standard Budgies, but with all of the color mutations that are being strived for recently, the genetics can be compromised in both types of Budgies.

Price Differences:

In America a Standard Budgie can be purchased for approximately $10.00 - $30.00. English/Show Budgies can be priced, again, in America, for approximately $50.00 – 100.00.

Thanks Sarah, great job of explaining and illustrating the differences between these Budgie babies!

good job of explaining. thanks

Thanks, I thought it might be helpful to have a detailed explanation of the differences. If anyone notices any errors or has anything else to add, let me know.