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Monk parakeet facts for kids

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Monk parakeet
Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) -Argentina-8.jpg
Wild Myiopsitta monachus in Argentina.
Conservation status
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Chordata
Class:
Aves
Order:
Psittaciformes
Family:
Psittacidae
Subfamily:
Psittacinae
Genus:
Myiopsitta
Binomial name
Myiopsitta monachus

The Monk parakeet, also called the Quaker parrot, is a type of parrot. These birds live in Argentina and other countries in South America. They are known for a cool trick: they can fix their own tail feathers! They pass a feather through their beak to connect tiny parts, much like how Velcro sticks together.

What Monk Parakeets Look Like

Monk parakeets are about 29 cm (11 inches) long. Their wings can spread up to 48 cm (19 inches) wide. They usually weigh around 100 g (3.5 ounces).

These birds have bright green feathers on their backs and wings. Their forehead and chest are a light grey color. They have a bright orange beak.

Telling Males and Females Apart

Female Monk parakeets are often a bit smaller than males. However, it is very hard to tell them apart just by looking. Scientists usually need to test their feathers or blood DNA to know if a bird is male or female.

Sounds They Make

Monk parakeets are known for being quite noisy! When they call, they make a loud, scratchy sound like chape-yee or quak quaki quak-wi quarr. Sometimes, they also make a sharp screeching sound, skveet.

Different Colors

While wild Monk parakeets are green, some pet ones can have different colors. You might see pet Monk parakeets that are white, blue, or yellow instead of green.

Monk Parakeets as Pets

Monk parakeets are very smart and friendly birds. When they are kept as pets, they can learn many words and phrases. They can even remember a large number of words! This makes them fun and interactive companions.

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Monk parakeet Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.