English Budgies, in general, are the only species (Melopsittacus undalutus) in the genus Melopsittacus. You probably know them better as parakeets.

But, really, they are known as Budgerigar. This name originated from the Aborigines of Australia (their native home) which means “good food”.

Not “food” in the way you are thinking, but the migration of budgies from barren lands led Aborigines to water, animals, and food plants (hence good food).

However, the existence of English budgies can be traced to 1840. The native, wild Australian birds were taken to the U.K. and over the years were selectively bred.