Monk Parakeet
Image: Sergio Chozas (cc-by-nc)
NameMonk Parakeet
Common NameMonk Parakeet
Scientific NameMyiopsitta monachus
FamilyPsittacidae
Wingspan (cm)50
Length (cm)30
Weight (g)120
Plumage DetailsPredominantly bright green plumage on the back, wings, and tail. The forehead, face, and throat are grey, contrasting with a pale greenish-yellow belly. Primary flight feathers are blue.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations are typically harsh, chattering, and squawking, often repeated rapidly. They can be quite loud, especially when in flocks.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatssavanna, woodland, agricultural land, urban, suburban
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to central South America, including parts of Bolivia, southern Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina. Widely established feral populations exist in many urban areas worldwide, including North America, Europe, and Asia.
Identifying Featuresgrey face and forehead, bright green body, long pointed tail, communal stick nests, harsh, chattering calls
Description
The Monk Parakeet is a medium-sized, bright green parrot with a distinctive grey face and forehead. Known for its social behavior, this species often forms large flocks and is unique among parrots for building large, communal stick nests.
