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

Dark, prominent rachis; barbs are densely packed at a sharp angle toward the tip, creating a stiff aerodynamic surface

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

Wing (Primary), likely from the outer wing based on the strong asymmetry of the vanes

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.

Commonly kept as pets (Quaker Parrots); in their native range and some introduced areas, they are sometimes viewed as agricultural or electrical grid pests due to their nest-building.

Look for these feathers near large communal stick nests typically located in power substations or tall park trees.

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