Quaker Parrots: A Lotta Parrot in a Little Package

Fast Facts about Quaker Parrots 

1. The Quaker Parrot is a small green bird about 12 inches in length with a gray head and chest. However, selective breeding has created "designer" colors such as blue, pallid, pallid blue, yellow, and others.
2. The Quaker Parrot is also sometimes called the Quaker Parakeet, Monk Parakeet or Grey-Breasted Parakeet.
3. Quakers are highly intelligent and come with "big bird" personalities. If raised properly, they can be sweet birds with just a touch of attitude to make them more fun and interesting.
4. Many Quaker Parrots become excellent talkers. They consistently place on Bird Talk Magazine's list of best talking birds. Not all Quakers learn to talk, but those that do often use words and phrases appropriately and in context.
5. Quakers are the only species of parrot that builds a nest. They not only raise their young in these nests but also live in them year round for protection from weather and predators. The nests can be huge and heavy, with many families of Quakers having their own compartments within one large nest.
6. Quaker Parrots are illegal to keep in some states due to the fear of damage to agriculture should they escape and set up colonies, although it is unlikely that hand-raised Quakers would be able to survive for long in the wild. There are colonies of wild Quakers in many states including Florida, Texas and Illinois, but these are likely birds that were wild-caught and imported or their offspring.
7. Quakers can live 25-30 years and sometimes longer. If you are considering keeping a Quaker as a pet, please make sure you are willing to make a long term commitment to your new friend.
8. Quakers make great pets but are not appropriate for every one. They require lots of care and attention, are sometimes messy and loud, and occasionally require vet care which can be expensive. You should carefully research the needs of these birds before making the decision to add one to your life.