Monk Parakeet

Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) is in the New World and African Parrots family (Psittacidae). Across the U.S., iNaturalist users have logged 6,627 research-grade observations of it in our sample, peaking in April.

Seasonal pattern in the national data: year-round resident. Counts also reflect when people are out photographing, so compare months within a state rather than across states.

When to photograph Monk Parakeet: observations by month (U.S.)

About Monk Parakeet

The monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus), also known as the Quaker parrot, is a small, bright-green parrot with a greyish breast and greenish-yellow abdomen. In most taxonomies, it is classified as the only member of the genus Myiopsitta. It originates from the temperate to subtropical areas of Argentina and the surrounding countries in South America. Self-sustaining feral populations occur in many places, mainly in North America and Europe.From Wikipedia via iNaturalist — article, CC BY-SA.

Monk Parakeet by state

Main season = months with at least 30% of the state's peak-month count.

Related birds (New World and African Parrots)

Red-crowned AmazonAmazona viridigenalis

Nanday ParakeetAratinga nenday

Red-masked ParakeetPsittacara erythrogenys

Photography tips

• Use a fast shutter (1/2000 s or faster) for birds in flight.
• Focus on the eye and shoot at the bird's eye level.
• Approach slowly and stop if the bird changes behavior; never bait or flush birds.
• Morning activity peaks in the first two hours after sunrise.

FAQ