Status in Oklahoma: ACCIDENTAL

The Monk Parakeet is an introduced species that has found its way to Oklahoma. Monk Parakeets are native to South America, specifically Argentina and Bolivia. Unlike other birds of South American origin, the Monk Parakeet adapts well to cold weather. Monk Parakeets are the only species of parrots known to build complex stick nests made from various types of twigs. These nests can be as large as twenty cubic feet and contain an average of one to twenty chambers, which can hold just as many birds. In North America, Monk Parakeet nests can usually be found in any tall structure such as deciduous trees, silos, fire escapes, and utility poles. Monk Parakeets can be found in over fifteen states in the United States including Florida, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Connecticut, Texas, New Jersey, and New York. Most of the Monk Parakeets in Oklahoma have been eradicated by the power companies due to the obtrusive nests they build on utility poles.