Monk Parakeet
Image: Sergio Chozas (cc-by-nc)
NameMonk Parakeet
Common NameMonk Parakeet
Scientific NameMyiopsitta monachus
FamilyPsittacidae
Wingspan (cm)48
Length (cm)29
Weight (g)120
Plumage DetailsPredominantly bright green on the back, wings, and upper tail. The forehead, face, and breast are pale gray, often with a scalloped pattern on the breast. Primary flight feathers are blue.
Vocalization / CallKnown for its loud, harsh, chattering calls and squawks, often given in rapid succession, especially when in flocks.
Primary Dietomnivore
Primary Habitatsurban, suburban, agricultural areas, woodlands, savanna
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Geographic RangeNative to temperate South America (Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Argentina). Established feral populations exist in many parts of North America, Europe, and other continents due to escapes from captivity.
Identifying Featuresgray face and breast, bright green back and wings, long pointed tail, blue primary flight feathers, communal stick nests, loud chattering calls
Description
The Monk Parakeet is a medium-sized, bright green parrot characterized by its distinctive gray face and chest. It is highly social, often found in urban and suburban environments, and known for building large communal stick nests.
