12 inches (30cm). Body green. Forehead, face, neck and breast greyish-blue.

Cheeks pale grey. Back of head, neck, back, rump, wings and tail parrot-green.

Eyes and beak brown, legs grey. Blue and yellow mutations.

The Monk Parakeetis found in Southern Brazil to central Argentina; introduced

to New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Nests recorded in Massachusetts,

Virginia and Florida.

Monk Parakeet likes lowland, woods, farmland, savannahs, woods, orchards.

Follows civilization, damages fields.

grain for large parrots, fruit, carrots, green food.

The Monk Parakeet is unlikely to breed unless housing has generous dimensions

and shrubbery is plentiful.

Peaceful and pleasant, has exaggerated reputation as screamer. Close pair

bonding. Can be maintained flying free; damages garden. Only parrot species

to build proper nest. Bullet-shaped nest or nest boxes 6 X 12 X 17 Va

inches (15 X 30 X 45cm), entrance 3 inches (8cm) with two 'rooms', entrance

protected by a small portico. Lays 5 to 8 eggs, incubated in 'back room'

26 to 28 days, fledging 42 to 44 days. After brooding period, symbolic

feeding of partner serves as a sign of belonging together.