Origin
Myiopsitta monachus is native to South America. Monk parrots were introduced to the United States in the 1960s as intentionally released or escaped pets.

Life Cycle
Adult parrots are slightly smaller than other parakeets at 11.5 in. (29 cm) in length and a wingspan of 18.8 in. (48 cm). M. monachus are green in plumage with a gray face and breast as well as blue primary and outer secondary flight feathers. Sexes are not identifiably different in appearance. M. monachus are the only member of the parrot family to build nests out of sticks and to live in colonies. In its non-native range, Monk parrots live in urban and suburban landscapes with nests on structures such as utility poles. Nest structures are very large and can weigh more than a ton. Each nest structure can contain up to 20 different nesting chambers where females lay 5-8 eggs per clutch.

Distribution
Monk parrot populations occur in several states including California, Arizona, Texas, Louisiana, Illinois, New York, Florida, and Rhode Island. M. monachus can tolerate temperate climates which has allowed it to become established all over the United States.

Control Efforts
One form of control includes removing nest sites on man-made structures and providing alternative nesting sites in cities. There is debate on the appropriate form of management due to experts disagreeing on whether monk parrots are a nuisance in cities and agriculture.

http://www.tsusinvasives.org/home/database/myiopsitta-monachus
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Monk_Parakeet/lifehistory
 

Resources

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• Video - MSNBC
• Global Invasive Species Database - Invasive Species Specialist Group
• Wikipedia - Wikimedia Foundation, Inc
• Invader of the Month - Institute for Biological Invasions
• Animal Diversity Web - University of Michigan Museum of Zoology
• Florida's Introduced Birds - University of Florida

Selected Images

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Maps

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Invasive Listing Sources

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• Everglades Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area
• Florida Invasive Species Partnership
• Idaho Invasive Species Act
• Invasive Species of Concern in Georgia
• New York Regulated and Prohibited Invasive Species - Regulated
• Southwest Florida Cooperative Invasive Species Mgmt. Area
• Wisconsin's Invasive species rule – NR 40

References

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Common Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.

Scientific Name Reference: Integrated Taxonomic Information System on-line database.