Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus)

About the size of Blue Jays but native to South America, Monk Parakeets are established in FL and TX, and can be found in several other cities in the eastern US. They are colonial, vocal, and fun to see.

Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus)
Durham Co., NC
16 July 2011

This individual showed up in our backyard and hung around for about a half hour before flying off.

Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus)
Durham Co., NC
16 July 2011

Since Monk Parakeets are from the temperate (not tropical) zone of South America, they're capable of living for years in the wild in North Carolina. Several nests and a few colonies have been established over the years, though none of the known colonies continues to persist.

Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) St. Petersburg, FL
28 Dec 2006
Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) St. Petersburg, FL
28 Dec 2006
Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) St. Petersburg, FL
28 Dec 2006


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Created on ... Jan 5, 2007 | jeffpippen9@gmail.com