Parrot Species · South America (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay)
Quaker Parrot
Monk parakeet — the only parrot that builds stick nests in trees and on structures.
By the WARN Research & Conservation TeamChecked against IUCN Red List & CITES sourcesLast updated
Image: Photo: Charles J. Sharp / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
In brief
The Quaker Parrot — monk parakeet — is a medium green parrot and the only parrot that builds large communal stick nests in trees and on man-made structures. Its defining trait is bold adaptability; feral colonies thrive in cities from Madrid to Chicago, while native populations in Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay remain common but face trapping for export. CITES Appendix II listing applies.
Quaker Parrot: At a Glance
| Origin | South America (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay) |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium (100 g) |
| Typical weight | 90–120 g (3.2–4.2 oz); stocky build with grey face, breast and belly |
| Lifespan | 10–80 years depending on species |
| Plumage | Bright green upperparts with grey forehead, breast and belly; blue flight feathers. Some colour mutations exist in captivity. Nests are woven from sticks — wild birds carry twigs in beak and feet. Feathers are durable and tolerate urban pollution better than many parrots. |
| Temperament | Colony nester, bold, adaptable |
| Conservation note | Suits experienced parrot keepers in regions where Quaker ownership is legal — some US states ban them due to feral colony concerns. They need large cages, daily interaction and destructible wood. Colony nesters by instinct; provide nesting materials only if breeding is intended. Not ideal for flats with noise-sensitive neighbours. |
History & Origins
Quaker parrots are native to temperate and subtropical South America from central Bolivia and southern Brazil through Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina. They construct massive communal stick nests — some weighing hundreds of kilograms — used year-round for roosting and breeding. Escaped aviary birds established feral colonies in North America, Europe and the Middle East from the 1960s onward, exploiting urban heat islands and artificial nest sites on pylons and buildings. Brazil and Argentina remain strongholds for wild populations, though trapping for the international pet trade continues. CITES Appendix II listing requires valid permits for export. Feral colonies in Spain, Italy and the United States sometimes conflict with utility companies when nests encroach on electrical infrastructure. Quaker parrots are illegal to keep in some jurisdictions — verify local regulations before acquisition.
Quaker Parrot Fun Facts
- Quaker parrots are the only parrots that build stick nests rather than using tree cavities.
- Feral colonies in Chicago survive harsh winters by nesting on heated transformer platforms.
- They are named for the head-bobbing motion resembling Quaker religious bowing.
- Communal nests may house dozens of pairs with separate chambers in a single structure.
Quaker Parrot Common Health Issues
Conditions seen more often in this breed, and how owners and vets help manage them. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice — always speak to your vet.
Obesity
Quaker parrots gain weight readily on seed-heavy diets with insufficient exercise, leading to fatty liver disease.
Care: Feed pelleted base with portion control. Provide daily out-of-cage flight and climbing exercise.
Fatty liver disease
Hepatic lipidosis develops from high-fat diets and sedentary keeping, causing lethargy, overgrown beak and sudden death.
Care: Transition to low-fat diet under avian vet supervision. Weight monitoring every few months catches problems early.
Respiratory infections
Drafts, dusty environments and poor ventilation predispose quakers to bacterial and fungal respiratory disease.
Care: Maintain clean housing away from kitchen fumes and Teflon. Seek prompt avian vet care for sneezing or tail bobbing.
Parrots belong in the forest
Every parrot species in this guide is threatened by habitat loss or the illegal pet trade. A gift to WARN helps fund parrot rescue, anti-trafficking work and customs training in Brazil and Colombia.
