monk parakeet
1. Bird Name
The featured bird of this article is the Monk Parakeet, known scientifically as Myiopsitta monachus.
2. Appearance
With a mainly bright green coloration, especially on the back, wings, and tail, Monk Parakeets certainly catch the eye. The breast and abdomen are a lighter gray, providing the bird with its ‘monkish’ image, leading to its name. It also has deep blue flight feathers that give a beautiful contrast against its green body. The bird has a strong light-colored beak designed for their seed-based diet. Adult monk parakeets have pale yellow irises while the young ones have dark ones. A unique identifying aspect of these birds is that no sexual dimorphism exists; it means males and females of this species look exactly the same.
3. Size
An average Monk Parakeet measures about 29–30 cm (11–12 inches) in length and sports a wingspan of 48 cm (19 inches). Their weight typically falls within the range of 90-120 grams (3.17 – 4.24 ounces).
4. Habitat & Distribution
Monk Parakeets, native to subtropical and temperate South America, are known for their adaptability which has seen them spread even to North America, Europe, and more recently, Japan and Israel. They’re found in diverse areas from forest edges to urban landscapes but commonly prefer the open, wooded habitats and savannahs close to water bodies.
5. Interesting Facts
Monk Parakeets are among the few parrot species that build stick nests instead of nesting in cavities. Interestingly, these nests are communal structures which are sometimes large enough to accommodate dozens of pairs of parakeets. These birds are socially monogamous, pairing with one mate for life. They are also one of the few bird species capable of imitating human speech!
6. Diet
Monk Parakeets are primarily herbivorous, feeding on fruits, flowers, leaf buds, and seeds. In some urban settings, they have been observed eating insects and food leftovers discarded by people.
7. Behavior & Sounds
As very social birds, they are known for living in large flocks and their elaborate play behaviors. The nests they build are also quite remarkable, resembling beaver dams. As for their sounds, they are quite noisy especially when in a group, producing a series of loud screeches, squawks, and chirps.
8. Conservation Status
While there have been localized declines due to activities such as pet trade, the Monk Parakeet is currently rated “Least Concern” on the IUCN Red list due to their expanding range.
9. Lifespan
Monk Parakeets tend to live longer in captivity, with their lifespan ranging anywhere from 15–20 years, though some have been known to live up to 30 years. In the wild, their lifespan is typically shorter, at 7-11 years on average.
10. Additional Notes
Commonly known as Quaker Parrot in parts of USA, Monk Parakeets are known for their friendly and intelligent nature making them popular as pets. They exhibit strong community behavior and even show cooperative ‘babysitting’ behavior in communal nests. However, in some areas, they are seen as invasive species that can cause damages to crops and infrastructure because of their tendency to build massive communal nests on utility poles.
