Myiopsitta monachus
The Monk Parakeet, Myiopsitta monachus, is a medium-sized, highly social parrot distinguished by its bright green plumage, grey face and breast, and a long, pointed tail tipped with blue. Averaging 29 cm (11.5 in) in length with a wingspan of 48-53 cm and weighing between 100-140 grams, its most striking feature is its 'monk-like' grey cowl, giving rise to its species name. This species is unique among parrots for building large, communal stick nests rather than using tree cavities, a behavio...
Found in open woodlands, savannas, agricultural areas, and increasingly in urban and suburban environments, typically at low to moderate elevations.
Primarily granivorous and frugivorous, consuming a wide variety of seeds (wild and cultivated grains), fruits, buds, flowers, and nuts, supplemented by some insects.
Monk Parakeets are highly diurnal and exceptionally social, living in large colonies and roosting communally within their massive stick nests year-round. Foraging involves agile climbing through trees and shrubs, as well as feeding on the ground. They are monogamous, forming strong pair bonds oft...
Native to a wide area of central South America, the Monk Parakeet's original breeding range spans Bolivia, southern Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, and central Argentina, with several recognized subspecies exhibiting minor plumage differences across this distribution. Beyond its native continent, the ...
Least Concern
- The Monk Parakeet is the only parrot species globally that constructs its own elaborate stick nest rather than nesting in tree cavities or holes. - Their communal nests can grow to enormous sizes, weighing hundreds of pounds and reaching several meters in dimension, housing multiple breeding pa...