Feral Quaker (Monk) Parrots

The Monk or Quaker Parakeet has established feral colonies around the United States, where they are most common in southern Florida and southeastern Texas.

Colonies have also established themselves in Alabama, Cincinnati, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois (Chicago), Kentucky (Louisville), Louisiana, New Jersey, New York City, Oregon, Puerto Rico, (coastal) Rhode Island, Texas and southwestern Washington.

Feral Quaker Parrot populations have been recorded in:

Europe: Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Holland, Spain, Gibraltar and Great Britain (Bedfordshire and Alfreton), Canary Islands, Czech Republic and Slovakia

Caribbean Islands: Cayman Islands, Bermuda, Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Virgin Islands

South America: Chile … Israel and Japan

Photos of Feral Quakers

When I moved to South Florida, I was delighted to see the large population of wild Quaker Parrots (sub-species of the Monk Parakeet) who have made this their home. They are not indigenous to this area — and are escaped or freed pets or breeder birds. You can see them making their nests along the streets (they like the very tall lamp posts and electrical installations, the latter of which is one of the problems municipalities have to deal with). They will also nest in trees, especially palm trees.

They are common, and noisy, visitors to backyard bird feeders, where they are typically seen in groups.  Bird lovers treasure them, while others consider them pests. In fact, they are illegal in several U.S. states, as they are considered agricultural pests.

Unites States Laws Regulating the Ownership and Sale of Quaker Parrots

Natural Distribution:

Native to, and generally common, in northeast Argentina where it occurs in the provinces of Entre Rios, Santa Fe, Cordoba and Buenos Aires; Bolivia; southern Brazil (Rio Grande do Sul); Paraguay; and Uruguay in South America.

Historically, this is a woodland species, but has adapted well to urban areas.

Overview … Quaker Parrot Colors / Mutations

Gaurav Dhir

Gaurav is an animal enthusiast. He lives in beautiful Ontario with his energetic family. As a part of his work at beautyofbirds.com, he has been working with ace parrot trainer, Cassie Malina to understand bird behavior and learn more about how he can train his feathered companions.

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