Riversleigh Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus)
Lived: 4 million years ago (Pliocene)
Size: Length (head and body): up to 25cm
Description: The Riversleigh Budgerigar flew in large flocks over the grasslands, landing to eat the plentiful grass seeds.
It belonged to the same species as the living Budgerigar we see today, flying around arid Australia in large flocks. Caged Budgerigars are all descendants of the wild birds from inland Australia.
Fossils: Wing and leg bones of the Riversleigh Budgerigar have been found at Riversleigh in north-western Queensland.
Did you know?: The Budgerigar is now the best-known Australian bird, having spread all over the world thanks to its popularity as a caged bird.
