# Monk Parakeet (*Myiopsitta monachus*) Monk Parakeets are cheerful green birds that love to chatter and play. They build big nests in trees and are often seen in flocks, making them a fun sight in parks and gardens. - **Category:** [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/bird) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 10 - **Habitat:** Urban areas - **Also known as:** Monk Parrot, Quaker Parrot ![Monk Parakeet](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Monk_Parakeet_%28Myiopsitta_monachus%29_Buenos_Aires.jpg&width=800) Photo: Kevin Jones, CC BY 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Monk_Parakeet_%28Myiopsitta_monachus%29_Buenos_Aires.jpg) ## Appearance The Monk Parakeet has a distinctive gray head and chest, contrasting sharply with its bright green body and wings. Its primary flight feathers display a beautiful blue tint, and it possesses a short, pointed tail. This unique combination of gray and green makes it stand out. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Aves - **Order:** Psittaciformes - **Family:** Psittacidae - **Genus:** Myiopsitta ## Interesting facts - A single Monk Parakeet nest can be as big as a small car and weigh several hundred pounds! - Monk Parakeets are the only parrot species that build large stick nests instead of nesting in tree holes! - Monk Parakeets can live for over 20 years, even in the wild, which is super long for a bird! - These clever birds often choose city parks, power poles, and buildings as places to call home. ## Special abilities - **Stick Architect:** Monk Parakeets can construct massive, multi-chambered stick nests that allow many families to live together for protection and warmth. - **Adaptable Survivor:** Monk Parakeets have a versatile diet and can adjust to various food sources, helping them thrive in diverse environments, including cities. - **Mimicry Master:** Monk Parakeets have complex vocal cords that help them imitate a wide range of sounds, including human words and phrases. - **Cold Weather Resistor:** Monk Parakeets can endure surprisingly cold climates because their communal nests provide excellent insulation and shelter. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 28-30 cm - **Wingspan:** 48-52 cm - **Weight:** 0.1-0.14 kg - **Lifespan:** 15-20 years - **Speed:** 55 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 4-8 - **Incubation:** 23-24 days - **Migration Distance:** 0 km ## Diet & Feeding A generalist feeder, they enjoy seeds, fruits, flowers, and even some insects. - **Age differences:** Young birds are fed regurgitated food by their parents, gradually transitioning to solid adult foods. - **Primary Foods:** Seeds, Fruits, Flower buds, Nuts, Agricultural crops, Insects - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Peregrine Falcon](https://www.snappit.app/explore/peregrine-falcon) (*Falco peregrinus*) — A swift aerial predator of adult parakeets. - **Eaten by:** [Red-tailed Hawk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-tailed-hawk) (*Buteo jamaicensis*) — This common hawk preys on both adults and fledglings. - **Eats:** [Corn](https://www.snappit.app/explore/corn) (*Zea mays*) — Feeds on corn kernels, often raiding crops. - **Eats:** [Sunflower](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sunflower) (*Helianthus annuus*) — Eats the seeds of this tall flowering plant. ## Traits - [Feathered](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/feathered): Feathered describes animals, primarily birds, possessing a covering of feathers. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Singing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/singing): Singing animals produce complex vocalizations, often for purposes of attracting mates, defending territory, or communicating within their species. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Birds](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/birds) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Enjoy watching birds from a distance and don't try to touch or catch them. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Monk Parakeet? Compare the silhouette, bill shape, tail length, wing bars and markings around the eyes. The same small brown bird at your feeder can look quite different in breeding plumage, winter plumage or its first year. Bird Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Monk Parakeet? 28-30 cm ### What is Monk Parakeet's wingspan? 48-52 cm ### How much does Monk Parakeet weigh? 0.1-0.14 kg ### How long does Monk Parakeet live? 15-20 years ### How fast can Monk Parakeet move? 55 km/h ### What does Monk Parakeet eat? A generalist feeder, they enjoy seeds, fruits, flowers, and even some insects. ### Where is Monk Parakeet usually found? Urban areas ## Where to spot - [Bioparc Valencia](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/bioparc-valencia) — Valencian Community, ES · Zoo - [Texas State Aquarium](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/texas-state-aquarium) — Texas, US · Zoo - [Butterfly World](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/butterfly-world) — Florida, US · Zoo - [Fort McIntosh](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/fort-mcintosh) — US · Historic Site - [King William Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/king-william-historic-district) — Texas, US · Historic District - [La Villita](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/la-villita) — Texas, US · Neighborhood [View all places to see Monk Parakeet](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/monk-parakeet) ## More Birds - [Black-crowned Night Heron](https://www.snappit.app/explore/black-crowned-night-heron) (*Nycticorax nycticorax*) - [Anna's Hummingbird](https://www.snappit.app/explore/annas-hummingbird) (*Calypte anna*) - [Great Egret](https://www.snappit.app/explore/great-egret) (*Ardea alba*) - [Blue Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/blue-jay) (*Cyanocitta cristata*) --- Source: [Monk Parakeet: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/monk-parakeet)