The budgerigar is a small parrot native to Australia. The wild budgerigar is a light green colored. They are considered migratory in the sense they are governed in their movement by the availability of water and grass seeds. 
The word "budgerigar" is derived from the various Aboriginal names for the bird that refer to its value as a source for food. Other names used since the early 1800's include: Betshiregah, Betcherrygah, Budgerager, Budgereegah, Budgerry Gaan, Budgerrygar, Budgeirigar, Budgie, Budjerigar, Shell Parrot, Undulated Parakeet, and Zebra Parrot. The modern spelling, budgerigar, was first used in 1870 in Cassell's Household Guide.  They are communal breeders and their nests are made in the cavities of soft rotting wood with no nesting material.  Approximately four to six eggs are laid per clutch and the incubation period is eighteen days. 
Usually when a person come to a show or a stud get very impressed with the beauty, size, colors and forms of the Budgerigars ("Malopsittacus Undulatos" scientificaly speaking). These birds come originaly from Australia, where a british naturalist Gould in 1840 capture some pairs in the original color (Light Green) and brought them to England. Now In England there are about 15,000 breeders who can show theis birds on more than 100 shows a year.
Now there are more than 30 diferent colors and their breeders all over the world.

SELECTING THE INITIAL PAIRS:

The correct selection of the initial pairs is fundamental to the person who want to start breeding them. If possible buy a bird from a well known breeder. You will probably pay a little bit more but it worth. For the beginner the color is not the most important issue but the posture, the size of the head and the blood line.
The best place to meet a breeder is at a show and if possible make an apointment to visit him into his birdroom. You can also do this thru the Internet. Just go to the Breeders Section on this site and select the breeder you want to get in contact.