The name derives from the Aboriginal word betcherrygah, which means “good food”, indicating that they were widely eaten.

The Budgerigar, is the common name for a well-known Australian grass parakeet, often kept as a pet.

Nomadic by nature, wild budgerigars move around the Australian interior in search of grass seeds and herbaceous plants which form their diet. Favoured habitats include open forest and plains, particularly trees bordering watercourses. Large flocks, sometimes numbering thousands, move about together.

Nesting can occur at any time of year, especially after rains when a plentiful supply of seeding grasses is available. Nests are made in every possible site, including holes in trees and fencing posts. Twice a year, the female lays up to 8 white, rounded eggs and incubates them for about 17 days. The young can fly about four weeks after hatching.

The first live birds were imported into Britain in 1840 by John Gould, a British ornithologist. The species bred freely in captivity and became a popular cage-bird. Many varieties of colour and feather pattern have been produced through selective breeding, among the most common of which are blue, grey, and cinnamon.
Budgerigars can be taught to speak, and are affectionate companions.