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Monk Parakeet |
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Bird Breeds:
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DESCRIPTION
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.
NATURAL DISTRIBUTION
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.
HABITAT
Monk Parakeet likes lowland, woods, farmland, savannahs, woods, orchards.
Follows civilization, damages fields.
DIET Mixed
grain for large parrots, fruit, carrots, green food.
SPECIAL NEEDS
The Monk Parakeet is unlikely to breed unless housing has generous dimensions
and shrubbery is plentiful.
CAGE LIFE
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.
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