Monk Parakeet (Quaker Parrot, Grey-breasted Parakeet)

A medium-sized bright green parrot with a grey forehead and breast and a long, pointed tail. The primary feathers specifically provide the structural integrity for their swift, direct flight. In flight, their wings show bright blue under-surfaces that contrast with the green body.

Predominantly lime green with olive undertones; internal yellow wash visible on the trailing vane; rachis is dark grey to black

Tightly pennaceous and interlocked in the main vane with a small plumulaceous section near the proximal calamus

Smooth and slightly glossy on the dorsal side, matte and paler on the ventral side; stiff and rigid for structural flight support

Strong lime green pigmentation, extreme asymmetry of the vane, and a dark, rigid rachis characteristic of psittacine flight feathers.

Open woodlands, scrublands, and increasingly urban/suburban parks and residential areas near food sources

Native to South America (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay); widely introduced and naturalized in North America and Europe

Generalist herbivore and seed disperser; in non-native areas, they can compete with native cavity nesters for food but generally occupy unique urban niches.

Yellow-naped Amazon (larger), Rose-ringed Parakeet (different green hue/shape), Green Cheeked Conure (smaller).

Monk Parakeets are the only parrot species that builds large, communal colonial nests made of sticks rather than nesting in cavities.

Excellent condition; the barbs are well-zipped and intact with minimal wear on the distal edge, suggesting a relatively recent molt.