Monk Parakeet
Image: Gustavo Fernando Durán (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 breast are pale grey, giving it a 'hooded' appearance. Primary flight feathers are blue, visible in flight. The beak is orange-pink.
Vocalization / CallVocalizations consist of harsh, chattering, and squawking calls, often repeated rapidly. They are quite noisy, especially when in flocks.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsurban, suburban, agricultural, open woodland, savanna
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to temperate South America (Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina). Feral populations are established in many parts of the world, including North America (e.g., Florida, Texas, New York), Europe, and Asia.
Identifying FeaturesGrey face and breast, Bright green body, Blue primary flight feathers, Long, pointed tail, Orange-pink beak, Communal stick nests
Description
The Monk Parakeet is a medium-sized, bright green parrot with a distinctive grey face and chest. Known for its social nature, it often forms large colonies and builds massive communal stick nests, a unique behavior among parrots.
