Monk Parakeet
Image: Sergio Chozas (cc-by-nc)
NameMonk Parakeet
Common NameMonk Parakeet
Scientific NameMyiopsitta monachus
FamilyPsittacidae
Wingspan (cm)50
Length (cm)29
Weight (g)120
Plumage DetailsPredominantly bright green plumage on the back, wings, and tail. The forehead, face, and chest are pale gray, transitioning to a yellowish-green on the belly. Primary flight feathers are blue, and the beak is orange.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations are typically harsh, squawking, and chattering, often given in rapid succession. They are known for being quite noisy, especially in flocks.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatswoodland, savanna, agricultural land, urban areas, suburban areas
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to temperate and subtropical regions of South America, including Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. Widely introduced and established feral populations exist in North America (e.g., USA), Europe, and other parts of the world.
Identifying Featuresbright green plumage, gray face and chest, long, pointed tail, orange beak, communal stick nests
Description
The Monk Parakeet is a medium-sized, bright green parrot with a distinctive gray face and chest. Known for their social behavior, they are the only parrot species that builds large, communal stick nests rather than nesting in tree cavities.
