Practical information to identify and manage non-native, invasive plants and animals
The Quiet Invasion:A Guide to Invasive Species of the Galveston Bay Area
Myiopsitta monachus
| ITIS TSN: | 177723 |
| Presence: | Current Invaders |
| Habitat: | Terrestrial |
| Native Range: | South America |
Human Health
This species poses no known human health impacts.Prohibited Lists
As of 2010, this species is not prohibited by the TPWD.Introduction Pathways
Monk parakeets were brought into the U.S. via the pet trade in the 1960s. The parakeets escaped from shipping crates or were released or escaped from their owners. Some zoos also intentionally released monk parakeets (ISSG 2009f).Geographic Distribution
Monk parakeets are found in 14 states in the U.S., with the greatest concentrations in the Florida peninsula and Southeast Texas. The monk parakeet is found in 2 counties within the Lower Galveston Bay Watershed (Galveston and Harris). The Kemah-San Leon-Texas City area hosts a relatively large population (Eubanks et al. 2006).Specific Primary Habitats
Within their introduced range, monk parakeets prefer urban and suburban habitats, often utilizing tropical ornamental plants and trees for nest-building materials. Nests are haystack-like in appearance and are often seen on water towers, light poles, and electrical line support structures (Eubanks et al. 2006).Ecological, Economic, or Social Impact
There is little evidence that monk parakeets have a negative effect on native ecosystems. However, because these birds often nest on electricity-supply structures, they can interfere with power line repair and power companies have attempted to remove the nests.Physical Description
Monk parakeets are brightly colored, small to medium sized parrots. They are 29 cm long (12 inches) with a wingspan of 53 cm (20 inches), and weigh 3-4 ounces. Their back and tails are bright green with blue flight feathers and a pale gray face, throat, chest and legs. The species is very vocal and noisy when encountered (Spreyer and Bucher 1998).Reproduction Characteristics
Monk parakeets are not sexually dimorphic (there is no difference in form or color between males and females). North American monk parakeets breed in the spring, with an average clutch size of 7 eggs. Eggs hatch after 24 days and fledglings leave the nest after approximately 40 days (ISSG 2009f). Juvenile monk parakeets will often build nests adjacent to their parents. Monk parakeets display cooperative behaviors among related individuals that include communal nest building, delayed breeding, reduced natal dispersion, and nest sentinel systems (Martin and Bucher 1993; Campbell 2000).Feeding
Monk parakeets feed mainly on seeds, leaf buds, fruits, berries, nuts, and blossoms. They may rarely feed on adult and larval insects (Spreyer and Bucher 1998). In urban and suburban areas, they may frequent bird feeders as well.Control
Early detection is key to preventing the spread and establishment of this species and regional/local monitoring or surveillance is essential. Nonnative birds should not be released into the wild.Lists
This species belongs to the following lists:
Images
To view a larger version of an image, click on the thumbnail. Adult Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus); Miami, Florida; February. The Birds of North America Online. |
 Monk parakeet (Myiopsitta moncahus) nest. Copyright © 2007 Jos Luis Cartes, courtesy of life.nbii.gov. |
 Monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) found in San Leon, Texas in October 2008. Image courtesy Lisa Gonzalez, HARC. |
 Monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) nest found in San Leon, Texas in October 2008. Image courtesy Lisa Gonzalez, HARC. |