For more information
on other animals found at Cub Creek Science Camp visit our
animal page.
Quaker Parrots
There are 4
subspecies of the Quaker Parrot - also known as Monk or
Grey-breasted Parakeet: Myiopsitta monachus monachus - nominate subspecies
Myiopsitta monachus calita - Mendoza Grey-breasted
Parakeet Myiopsitta monachus cotorra
- Paraguayan Grey-breasted Parakeet Myiopsitta monachus luchsi - Luchs's or Bolivian
Grey-breasted Parakeet
The Quaker Parrot is also referred to as a
parakeet in the literature - a reference to its long tail.
The Quaker or Monk Parrot, however, has all the personality
traits and needs of the larger parrots.
The nest of the Quaker Parrot is unique
among parrots. Although single, smaller nests are not
uncommon, the more common nest is a communal version, built
and expanded upon over several years by several paired flock
members. Using twigs and thorny branches, these nests often
have several compartments (up to 20 have been observed),
each with its own, singular entrance tunnel so no connection
exists between compartments. Nests weighing 90 pounds have
been recorded. Used year-round, the nests are repaired and
added on to as breeding season approaches.
These birds are very gregarious in the
wild, forming flocks of a handful to several hundred. Quaker
or Monk Parrots are most often found in lowland areas and
especially near areas where there are people. Although the
Quaker originates from South America, it is also now found
in Puerto Rico and the United States as a result of human
introduction.
At Cub Creek Science Camp we have a Quaker
Parrot named Sweetie. Sweetie is missing an eye but he
is a very gentle, sweet natured parrot that loves the
attention of our Science Camp campers during summer Science
Camp.
