The average size of wild budgerigars is 18 cm (7 in). They weigh between 30-40 grams (1.1-1.4 oz) and have a wingspan of 30 cm (12 in). Their body color is light green, with pitch-black markings on their mantles that are edged in clear yellow undulations. As adults, they have a yellow forehead and face. Young budgerigars have blackish stripes down to their cere until they are around 3-4 months old. They also have small, iridescent blue-violet cheek patches and three black spots on each side of their throat, with the outermost spots situated at the base of their cheek patches. The tail is cobalt, with central yellow flashes on the outside feathers. The wings have greenish-black flight feathers and black coverts with yellow fringes, which are only visible during flight or when the wings are spread. Their bills are olive grey and their legs are blue.