Monk Parakeet
Myiopsitta monachus
Visual Identification
Appearance
The Monk Parakeet is a small, vibrant parrot with predominantly bright green plumage. Its forehead, cheeks, and throat are pale grey, contrasting with a blue wash on its flight feathers and tail. The bird has a stout, orange beak and grey legs.
Both males and females share identical colouration, making visual sex determination challenging. Juveniles resemble adults but may have slightly duller plumage and darker eyes.
Size
Length
29cm to 31cm
Wingspan
48cm to 53cm
Weight
90g to 120g
Colours
Males and females have similar plumage
Primary Colour
Green
Secondary Colour
Grey Blue
Beak Colour
Orange
Leg Colour
Grey
Habitat and Distribution
Habitats
Woodland
Garden
Wetland
Coastal
Urban
Farmland
Grassland
Desert
Tundra
Rainforest
Mountain
Savanna
Distribution
Native to South America, Monk Parakeets naturally inhabit open woodlands, savannahs, and palm groves in countries like Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil. They thrive in areas with scattered trees and open ground for foraging.
Due to their popularity as pets, these parakeets have established feral populations in many parts of the world, including the United States, Spain, and the United Kingdom. They adapt well to urban and suburban environments, often nesting in parks and residential areas.
Elevation Range
Up to 1,000 meters
Climate zones
Temperate, Subtropical
Distribution Map
This map gives you a rough idea of where you might spot a Monk Parakeet. The coloured areas show countries where these birds have been seen.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Birds might not be everywhere in the coloured areas, for example, they may be present around the coast of that country
- Where birds live can change with seasons and available food
- This map is quite simple - it doesn't show exact locations
We're working on making our maps even better! Soon, we hope to show you:
- More detailed maps for bigger countries, including state and region
- How birds move around during different seasons
Distribution by Region
Behaviour and Ecology
Bird Attributes
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Share your thoughtsBird Attributes Explained
Our bird attributes system rates various aspects of a bird's capabilities on a scale of 0-100, based on data from field observations, scientific studies, and expert knowledge.
Attribute Categories:
- Agility: Manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
- Strength: Physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
- Adaptability: Ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
- Aggressiveness: Territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
- Endurance: Stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Understanding the Ratings:
- 0-20: Very Low
- 21-40: Low
- 41-60: Average
- 61-80: High
- 81-100: Very High
Remember, these attributes are relative to other bird species and don't necessarily indicate superiority.
Hover over the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Tap the icon next to each attribute for more information.
Agility
Reflects the bird's manoeuvrability, speed, and grace in flight or movement.
The Monk Parakeet displays remarkable agility, particularly evident in its acrobatic flying skills. Their ability to perform swift, undulating flights between feeding and roosting sites demonstrates high manoeuvrability and aerial prowess.
Strength
Indicates the bird's physical power, often correlating with size and hunting abilities.
Whilst not particularly strong for their size, Monk Parakeets possess enough strength to construct large, communal stick nests. Their ability to carry nesting materials and manipulate them into complex structures indicates moderate strength for a small parrot species.
Adaptability
Represents the bird's ability to thrive in various environments or changing conditions.
Monk Parakeets exhibit exceptional adaptability, thriving in various environments from their native South American habitats to urban areas worldwide. Their ability to establish feral populations in diverse climates, including regions with snowy winters, showcases their remarkable adaptability.
Aggressiveness
Measures the bird's territorial behaviour and assertiveness, particularly during breeding seasons.
These parakeets display moderate aggressiveness, particularly when defending their nests or competing for resources. Their social nature and communal living suggest they're not overly aggressive, but they can be territorial and vocal when necessary.
Endurance
Reflects the bird's stamina, often seen in migration patterns or foraging behaviours.
Monk Parakeets demonstrate good endurance, evidenced by their ability to construct and maintain large, heavy nests and their capacity for frequent, energetic flights. Their success in establishing populations in various climates also suggests a robust constitution and good endurance.
Diet
Monk Parakeets are primarily herbivorous, feeding on various seeds, fruits, berries, and buds. They show a particular fondness for sunflower seeds and corn.
In urban areas, they readily visit bird feeders and may consume a wider range of foods, including bread and other human-provided items.
Behaviour
Monk Parakeets are highly social birds, often seen in noisy flocks. They are known for their acrobatic flying skills, frequently performing swift, undulating flights between feeding and roosting sites.
These parakeets are also remarkable for their nest-building behaviour, constructing large, communal stick nests that can house multiple pairs.
Vocalisation
Monk Parakeets are known for their loud, raucous vocalisations. Their most common call is a sharp, metallic 'kik-kik' or 'quak-quak' sound, often repeated in rapid succession.
They also produce softer chirps and chatters when communicating within their flock, creating a constant background noise in areas where they're abundant.
Nesting & Breeding
Monk Parakeets are unique among parrots for their communal nesting habits. Breeding pairs typically form in spring, with courtship involving mutual preening and feeding.
They construct large, elaborate stick nests, often weighing over 200 pounds, which can house multiple breeding pairs. These nests are frequently built on tall structures like trees, utility poles, or buildings.
Females lay 5-8 white eggs, which are incubated for about 24 days. Both parents participate in incubation and care for the chicks, which fledge after approximately 6-7 weeks but may remain near the nest for several months.
Conservation and Status
Global Conservation Status
While the Monk Parakeet is listed as Least Concern globally, it faces challenges in its native range due to habitat loss and capture for the pet trade.
In introduced areas, particularly in the United States and Europe, it is sometimes considered an invasive species, leading to control measures in some regions.
Birdwatching Tips
- Look for large stick nests in trees or on man-made structures
- Listen for their loud, squawking calls, especially at dawn and dusk
- Search in urban parks, gardens, and near bird feeders in areas where they've been introduced
- Observe their gregarious behaviour in small to large flocks
Additional Information
Quick Facts
Predators
Main predators include raptors such as hawks and falcons, as well as domestic cats in urban areas. Snakes and raccoons may prey on eggs and nestlings.
Did You Know?
- Monk Parakeets are the only parrot species that build stick nests rather than nesting in cavities.
- Their communal nests can weigh up to 1 ton and house over 20 pairs of birds.
- Despite their tropical origin, these parakeets can survive in areas with snowy winters.
References
- 1
website: BirdLife International. 2018. Myiopsitta monachus. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2018: e.T45427277A132189848.
View source - 2 3
report, 1997: del Hoyo et al.
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