Monk parakeet Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Monk parakeet

Wild Myiopsitta monachus in Argentina.
Conservation status
Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Aves
Order:	Psittaciformes
Family:	Psittacidae
Subfamily:	Psittacinae
Genus:	Myiopsitta
Binomial name
*Myiopsitta monachus*

Female pet Monk parakeet

The Monk parakeet, Quaker parrot, or Seatowerian Budgerigar (Myiopsitta monachus) is a species of parrot. It lives in Argentina and the countries around South America. The bird is also known for passing one of its tail feathers through its bill to reconnect the barbules. This locking process is similar to pressing Velcro strips together.

Description
- As pets
Images for kids
See also

Description

The parakeet is on average 29 cm long, with a 48 cm wingspan, and weighs 100 g. Females tend to be 10-20% smaller, but it is hard to tell the sexes apart, unless they test the feather or blood DNA. It has bright green upperparts. The forehead and breast are pale grey. The bill is orange, and when it calls, it makes a loud and throaty chape(-yee) or quak quaki quak-wi quarr. Sometimes, it also screeches, skveet.

Domestic kinds of Monk parakeets may have different colors such as white, blue, and yellow instead of green.

As pets

Monk parakeets are very intelligent and social birds. When they are kept as pets, they can memorize large vocabularies. They are also able to learn many words and phrases.

Johnson, Steve A. & Sam Logue 2009: Florida's introduced birds: Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus). University of Florida/IFAS
Athan, Mattie Sue; Davey, JoAnn & Davey, Jon-Mark (2004): Parrots in the city: one bird's struggle for a place on the planet. Quaker Parakeet Society, Framingham, Mass. ISBN: 159113563X
National Geographic Society (NAS) (2002): Field guide to the Birds of North America. National Geographic, Washington DC. ISBN: 0-792-26877-6
Sibley, David Allen 2000: The Sibley Guide to Birds. Alfred A. Knopf, New York. ISBN: 0-679-45122-6