Myiopsitta monachus
Least Concern
The Monk Parakeet is a vibrant, green-feathered bird native to South America. It's recognized for its robust communal nests, unique among parrots, and its successful adaptation to urban and suburban environments around the globe, which is why it's establishing successful populations where introduced.
Males and females have similar plumage
Green
Green
Grey, Blue
Grey, Blue
Green
Green
Short
Orange
Orange
Grey
Grey
Blue flight feathers, grey breast and cheeks
Less pronounced than adults
Long and tapered
Shorter
29cm to 30cm
Length
48cm to 53cm
Wingspan
90g to 120g
Weight
Click on an image below to see the full-size version
Monk Parakeet feeding on grass
Monk Parakeet perching in a tree
Pair of Monk Parakeets
Portrait of a Monk Parakeet
Loud, distinctive squawk
Variety of squawks, chirps, and whistles
Sharp, repetitive chirp
Active during the day, foraging in the morning and evening
Highly social, lives in large flocks
Defends nesting sites
Does not migrate
Generally peaceful but can be aggressive when defending nests
Seeds, Fruits, Nuts
Forages in trees and on the ground
Early morning and late afternoon
Uses beak to crack open seeds and nuts
Varies with season and location
None known
In trees or on man-made structures
Large, communal stick nest
Spring
One to two
White
Approximately 3cm x 2cm
4-8 eggs
Around 24 days
Approximately 6 weeks
Both parents incubate eggs and feed chicks
Native to South America, has established populations in North America, Europe, and Asia
Open woodland, parks, suburban areas
Sea level to 1000m
Does not migrate
Urban, Suburban, Forest
Tropical, Temperate
Please note, this range and distribution map is a high-level overview, and doesn't break down into specific regions and areas of the countries.
Distribution notes
Introduced populations to Austria, Belgium, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Chile, Czechia, France, Germany, Guadeloupe, Japan, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Slovakia, Spain, United States, US Virgin Islands
Resident or Present
20
30
20 year(s)
1-2 year(s)
1-2 year(s)
Monogamous, nests in large colonies
None known
Least Concern (IUCN Red List)
Habitat loss, capture for pet trade
Protected in some areas
Population increasing due to establishment in non-native areas
Other names:
Quaker Parrot, Monk Parrot
Family:
PsittacidaePopulation size:
Unknown
Population trend:
Increasing
Conservation status:
Least Concern
IUCN Red List
Brighten up your inbox with our exclusive newsletter, enjoyed by thousands of people from around the world.
Your information will be used in accordance with Birdfact's privacy policy. You may opt out at any time.
© 2024 - Birdfact. All rights reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission.