The monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) is a bird of the family Psittacidae, in the order Psittaciformes.
Quick answer
The monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus), also called the Quaker parrot, is a green-and-grey parakeet from south-eastern South America. It is the only parrot that builds its own large, communal stick nests instead of using a tree hole. Escaped pets have founded wild colonies in cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Brooklyn and Chicago. It is listed as Least Concern and increasing.
Top questions about the Monk Parakeet
Monk Parakeet facts at a glance
- Weight 120 g
- Length 30 cm
| Scientific name | Myiopsitta monachus |
|---|---|
| Other name | Quaker parrot |
| Diet | Seeds, fruit, buds, flowers and crops |
| Habitat | Open woodland, savanna, farmland and city parks |
| Length | 28–33 cm (11–13 in) including the tail |
| Lifespan | About 22 years recorded in captivity |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN Red List, assessed 2018) |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
|---|---|
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittacidae |
| Genus | Myiopsitta |
Where it lives
The monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) is native to Lowlands of Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, southern Brazil and Argentina. Feral colonies live in Spain, Italy, the United States and elsewhere. — recorded across South America in this guide’s range summary.
For occurrence records, see GBIF species search and sources below.
How big is a monk parakeet?
An adult monk parakeet measures 30 cm long — about 17% of the height of an average adult person (1.73 m) — and weighs around 120 g, a small fraction of an average adult’s body weight (70 kg).
Length vs an average adult’s height (to scale)
What is a group of monk parakeets called?
Group name (collective noun)
A group of Monk Parakeets is called a flock.
Baby name
A baby Monk Parakeet is called a chick.
Explore more animal collective nouns and baby animal names .
Stick-nest builders
Every other parrot nests in a cavity. Monk parakeets weave bulky nests from twigs in trees, on pylons or on buildings. Several pairs add chambers to the same structure, which can grow into a large communal nest used all year for roosting as well as breeding.
Identification
It is bright green above with a pale grey forehead, cheeks and throat, a grey breast with scalloped edges, a yellow-green belly, blue flight feathers and a pale orange-pink bill. The tail is long and pointed. Flocks are loud and chattering.
Native and feral range
The native range covers lowland Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, southern Brazil and Argentina. Because the species is common in the pet trade, escaped birds have formed colonies in Spain, Italy, Belgium, the United States, Mexico and other countries.
Status
BirdLife International lists the monk parakeet as Least Concern (2018) with an increasing trend. Its nests on electricity poles can cause power cuts, and some countries control feral populations.
Explore the Monk Parakeet
Close relatives
- Scarlet Macaw Same family
- Hyacinth Macaw Same family
- Spix's Macaw Same family
- African Grey Parrot Same family
Range & geography
Did you know? Monk Parakeet facts
- A single communal nest can house several pairs, each with its own chamber.
- Monk parakeets use their nests all year for roosting.
Conservation status of the Monk Parakeet
The monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) is listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. Least Concern (LC) is the IUCN's lowest-risk category, assigned to widespread, abundant species that have been evaluated and found not to be threatened. It does not mean a species faces no pressures — only that it is not currently at risk of extinction.
Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) was most recently assessed for the IUCN Red List in 2018. Look up on the IUCN Red List .
Frequently asked questions about the Monk Parakeet
Is a monk parakeet the same as a Quaker parrot?
Yes. 'Quaker parrot' is a common pet-trade name for the monk parakeet, Myiopsitta monachus.
Why are there monk parakeets in Madrid and New York?
They descend from escaped or released pets. Their stick nests and tolerance of cold let them survive and breed in cities far from South America.
Do monk parakeets build nests?
Yes. They are the only parrots that build their own stick nests, often large communal structures with separate chambers.
How long do monk parakeets live?
About 22 years has been recorded in captivity. Wild lifespans are not well documented.
What is a group of monk parakeets called?
A group of Monk Parakeets is called a flock.
What is a baby monk parakeet called?
A baby Monk Parakeet is called a chick.
Sources & references
This guide is compiled and reviewed against established zoological and conservation references. Key sources for the Monk Parakeet:
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IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Conservation status (Least Concern) reflects the IUCN Red List category for Myiopsitta monachus, most recently assessed in 2018.
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iNaturalist — observations & photos
Search citizen-science observations and community IDs for Myiopsitta monachus. Useful for range checks and recent sightings — not a substitute for formal Red List status.
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GBIF — occurrence data
Global Biodiversity Information Facility species search for Myiopsitta monachus. Explore published occurrence records used in range research.
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eBird — bird observations
Cornell Lab eBird target search for Monk Parakeet. Check recent checklists and seasonal abundance where birders report this species.
- BirdLife International (2026). Species factsheet: Monk Parakeet Myiopsitta monachus. BirdLife DataZone. Checked 1 November 2026.
IUCN Red List category Least Concern (assessed 2018), population estimate and trend.
- Animal Diversity Web: Myiopsitta monachus. University of Michigan Museum of Zoology.
Size, lifespan and behaviour.
- Tobias, J. A. et al. (2022). AVONET: morphological, ecological and geographical data for all birds. Ecology Letters 25: 581–597. doi:10.1111/ele.13898
Average body mass.
- Gill, F., Donsker, D. & Rasmussen, P. (Eds). IOC World Bird List v15.2.
English and scientific name, classification and range.
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