Myiopsitta monachus

Monk parakeet

Also known as:

Quaker parrots

Family: Psittacidae

Origin: South America

The monk parrot is perched on a tree.
The Monk parrot is a bright-green parrot with a grey breast and green-yellow abdomen.
Photo credit: Murray Foubister

Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP) status

  • Aotea — Exclusion
  • Hauraki Gulf Controlled Area Notice pest
  • Whole region — Sustained control

View more about the RPMP statuses

General description

Medium-sized green-grey parrot, weighing between 90-120 gr. Blue secondary and flight feathers on wings.

What you need to know

To help protect our environment:

  • You must not release any monk parakeet from containment within the Auckland region.
  • You must not move any monk parakeet to Aotea/Great Barrier Island group.
  • You must not breed, distribute or release any monk parakeet on Aotea/Great Barrier Island group.
  • From 1 September 2022, you will not be allowed to breed, distribute or sell any monk parakeet within the Auckland region.
  • You are however still allowed to retain any existing individuals you already own. You can also take these animals to the vet, they can move with you if you move house, and you can take them to stay with someone else while you’re on holiday. You just need to keep them securely contained so they can’t escape into the wild.
  • If you pet-sit / provide temporary accommodation for other people’s animals, you’re also covered for receiving them, as long as you keep them securely contained while they are staying with you. However, if you receive animals on a more permanent basis, such as rescue centres, where ownership is changing hands, then you need to apply for an exemption for this activity. You can apply for free using this application form.

Habitats

Open habitats, urban areas, plantations, crops, orchards, gardens.

Impact on environment

May compete with and spread disease to native birds, damages native vegetation through herbivory. Pest of orchard, vegetable and grain crops.

Control

Management

If you have pet parakeets, make sure they’re securely contained to avoid accidental escapes. If you are no longer able to look after your pet monk parakeet, find someone who is prepared to give it a lifetime home, or contact a relevant pet shop or animal rescue organisation to get it rehomed.

Never release a monk parakeet into the wild – your pet may be unable to find the food and shelter it needs, and it also puts our native species at risk.

If you see a monk parakeet in the wild, record it on iNaturalist or email Auckland Council at pestfree@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.