Monk Parakeet Overview, photos Food & Care

Monk Parakeet


DESCRIPTION 12 inches (30cm). Body green. Forehead, face, neck and breast greyish-blue. Cheeks pale grey. Back of head, neck, back, rump, wings, and tail parrot-green. Eyes and beak brown, legs grey. Blue and yellow mutations.



NATURAL DISTRIBUTION The Monk Parakeet is found in Southern Brazil to central Argentina; introduced to New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. Nests recorded in Massachusetts, Virginia, and Florida.



HABITAT Monk Parakeet likes lowland, woods, farmland, savannahs, woods, orchards. Follows civilization, damages fields.



DIET Mixed grain for large parrots, fruit, carrots, green food.


SPECIAL NEEDS The Monk Parakeet is unlikely to breed unless housing has generous dimensions and shrubbery is plentiful.




CAGE LIFE Peaceful and pleasant has an exaggerated reputation as a screamer. Close pair bonding. Can be maintained flying free; damages garden. Only parrot species to build the proper nest. Bullet-shaped nest or nest boxes 6 X 12 X 17 Va inches (15 X 30 X 45cm), entrance 3 inches (8cm) with two 'rooms', entrance protected by a small portico. Lays 5 to 8 eggs, incubated in 'back room' 26 to 28 days, fledging 42 to 44 days. After brooding period, symbolic feeding of partner serves as a sign of belonging together.

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