Bearded dragons, or "beardies," are moderately sized lizards native to Australia. They range in color but are often a light tan to brown with a long, thick tail and a spiky, beard-like collar around their neck. While they are generally considered good pets, even for beginner reptile owners, they do have fairly complex nutritional and environmental needs. Special equipment and a fair amount of time are needed to care for bearded dragons. However, they are generally social and easy to tame, and they show a range of fascinating behaviors that make them interesting to watch.