Monk Parakeet
A species of Monk Parakeets, Also known as Quaker Parrot Scientific name : Myiopsitta monachus Genus : Monk Parakeets
Monk Parakeet, A species of Monk Parakeets
Also known as:
Quaker Parrot
Botanical name: Myiopsitta monachus
Genus: Monk Parakeets
Content
Description People often ask General Info
Description
Monk Parakeets, popular pet birds originally native to South America, established wild populations in the United States in the 1960s. These noisy, bright green parrots can now be seen flying around together in U.S. cities like Chicago and New York! They nest communally, dozens of them living together in huge multi-family nests atop power poles and in trees. Messy and loud, they are considered a nuisance and invasive species in the United States.
Size
30 cm
Life Expectancy
20-30 years
Nest Placement
Tree
Clutch Size
5 - 8 eggs
Feeding Habits
Monk Parakeet's diet consists of seeds, fruit, blossoms, buds, nuts, berries, and occasionally insects. They forage for agricultural crops like sunflower, corn, wheat, rice, and citrus, and are sometimes considered pests. In winter, monk Parakeet may feed at bird feeders in the US. Their diet also includes thistles, grasses, tree parts, sweet potatoes, legumes, and drying meat.
Habitat
Monk Parakeet typically inhabits areas ranging from savanna, grassland, and scrub forest environments. In North America, these birds have adapted well to urban and suburban landscapes, often thriving in city parks. Their adaptability extends to withstanding colder, temperate-zone winters. In their native South American habitats, monk Parakeet can be found in dry savannas with interspersed woodland areas, comfortably residing at elevations up to approximately 6,000 feet, showcasing a remarkable versatility in environmental conditions.
Nest Behavior
Monk Parakeet practices colonial nesting, with all colony members contributing to nest construction and maintenance. Nest-building occurs year-round, and the sturdy nest design is suitable for winter survival. Parental care within these nests includes shared responsibilities among mating pairs.
Nest Characteristics
Monk Parakeet constructs communal nests predominantly in trees or man-made structures, using sticks, often thorny, to create elaborate structures with multiple chambers. These nests are large, exceeding 5 feet across and potentially weighing over a ton.
Dite type
Granivorous
People often ask
General Info
Feeding Habits
Bird food type
Behavior
Monk Parakeet exhibit distinct social behavior, living in large, noisy colonies. They commence their day with foraging expeditions, adeptly climbing trees using their beaks for assistance, and aren't averse to ground foraging. Come evening, they regroup at their nests to rest, a practice maintained year-round. Notably, monk Parakeet have a meticulous preening routine which serves as a social activity and a courtship display, with monogamous pairs engaging in mutual preening and beak-grasping as affectionate gestures. Their interaction with their environment and social bonds are pivotal aspects of their behavior.
Distribution Area
The monk parakeet is globally very common. In Argentina, Brazil, and Uruguay, monk parakeets are regarded as major agricultural pests (as noted by Charles Darwin, among others). Their population explosion in South American rural areas seems to be associated with the expansion of eucalyptus forestry for paper pulp production, which offers the bird the opportunity to build protected nests in artificial forests where ecological competition from other species is limited. 
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Birds Order
Parrots Family
Parrots Genus
Monk Parakeets Species
Monk Parakeet 
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