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Why is my budgie's cere changing color? Is it male or female?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Unknown - Bird | Female | 0.832 lbs

I would like to know the gender of my budgie. When I got it I was told it was supposed to be 6 months or older and had a pink cere but as time passed some purple like spots have been appearing on the top and edges. I've had my budgie for about 9 months now (this started around 2 or less months ago). My budgie acts like a female, feeding my male and acting attracted to him. but it also bobs it's head once in a while at it's toys. please get back to me as soon as possible!

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Miranda Sadar, DVM, DACZM

Veterinarian

Published on August 1st, 2018

Thank you for the additional pictures! I see what you mean about the purple coloration around the top of the cere (around the nostrils). Just below the nostrils, there looks to be a darker rim - as mentioned before, this looks like it may be starting to turn brown. Typically when we see male budgies start to turn colors, that it is more of a true blue color initially and not as much of a purple color. Based on this, I still think that Snowflake is mostly likely female. Thanks again for the additional photos!

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    Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on September 30th, 2018

    With color variations/mutations it is sometimes possible that the cere will be the wrong color for gender from a typically colored bird. Lutino males can sometimes have a pinkish cere. That said, females that are interested in mating or laying may become much louder, chirp, etc, so it could be that Juno is still a female without seeing her coloration/cere to verify. When a female is ready to mate, however their cere will also turn a brownish color and become crusty as well.

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