Monk Parakeet

Myiopsitta monachus

It is the only parrot species that constructs massive communal stick nests rather than nesting inside natural tree cavities.

Scientific name

Myiopsitta monachus

Taxonomy

Animalia › Chordata › Aves › Psittaciformes › Psittacidae › Myiopsitta

IUCN Red List status

Least Concern

Population trend

increasing

Biome

grassland

Habitat

Savannas, open thorn scrub, agricultural plains, suburban parks, and urban neighborhoods

Diet

Seeds, cereal grains, tree buds, berries, wild fruits, leaf shoots, and occasionally insects

Range

Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, United States, Spain

Size

28–30 cm long with a 48–53 cm wingspan

Lifespan

15–20 years in the wild

Active

diurnal

Threats

Persecution as an agricultural crop pest, illegal capture for the pet trade, and targeted nest removal from electrical utility infrastructure

Safe to approach?

Monk parakeets are harmless and pose no danger to humans at normal observation distances. They will deliver a painful bite with their hooked beak if handled or trapped; use thick gloves if rescue is necessary, and wash any resulting puncture wounds thoroughly with soap and water.

The monk parakeet ( Myiopsitta monachus ), also known as the Quaker parrot , is a small, bright-green parrot with a greyish breast and greenish-yellow abdomen. In most taxonomies, it is classified as the only member of the genus Myiopsitta . It originates from the temperate to subtropical areas of Argentina and the surrounding countries in South America. Self-sustaining feral populations occur in many places, mainly in North America and Europe.

Photo: Juan Emilio, CC-BY-SA, via iNaturalist

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