(Myiopsitta monachus)
Quakers originate from the temperate to subtropical areas of Argentina and the surrounding countries in South America. Self-sustaining feral populations occur in many places, mainly in North America and Europe.
Quaker parrots are 29 cm long on average, with a 48 cm wingspan, and weigh 100 g. Females tend to be 10-20% smaller.
Domestic breeds in colors other than the natural plumage are regularly produced. These include birds with white, blue, and yellow instead of green. Coloration provides less camouflage; therefore feral birds are usually of wild-type/green coloration.
Some people consider Quakers to be loud – but each person’s idea of ‘loud’ varies significantly and I find their chattering to be quite adorable. A normal happy, healthy Quaker will make some noise each day but excessive noise may indicate something missing i.e. toys, playtime, attention etc.
The Quaker parrot is the only parrot that constructs a stick-nest rather than using a hole in a tree. This extroverted species often breeds colonially, building a solitary large nest with separate entrances for each breeding pair. Undomesticated colonies can become quite massive, with pairs occupying separate "apartments" in nests that can reach the size of a small vehicle.
Quakers can live to 25 - 30 years and conceivably even longer. They are exceptionally resilient birds. There are feral colonies of Quakers in some of the United States where they thrive in even the coldest climates. Some states have bans or laws concerning Quakers so please check with your local authorities before bring a Quaker Parrot into your home.
Quakers love to eat! As most bird do and should be offered a wide variety of healthy foods. Please visit our section on Nutrition to better learn how – and what – to feed your Quaker Parrot. They require a balanced diet of healthy fruits, veggies, grains, seeds, nuts, sprouted seeds and more. Feeding your parrot can be fun for you – and for your parrot!
In general, Quaker parrots can make wonderful companions. They are inquisitive and sociable – they are known for their talents in mimicry and some can talk quite well. They are hardy little parrots with a great Zest for life! They love your attention and are also quite tolerant of being left on their own for parts of the day while you attend to your work/school etc.
Quakers appreciate the largest cage you can comfortably afford – ideally the cage will be no smaller than 20” x 20” x 20” … providing an extra play area for daily exercise is advised to keep them happy and healthy. Be sure to find a cage with horizontal bars for climbing and the bar spacing must be a safe distance to never allow your parrot’s head to fit between, creating a dangerous hazard. Provide lots of safe toys including interactive swings and foraging toys.
Provide fresh water at all times – cuttlefish bone, mineral block, treats, love and attention and you will enjoy many happy years with your Amazing Quaker Parrot!
DIET: Fresh fruits and vegetables, cooked rice, grains, sprouted seeds, seeds, nuts.
LIFESPAN: 20 + years or more.
HOUSING: 20" x 20" x 20" MINIMUM cage with daily exercise or larger cage/aviary.
PET QUALITY: Very good to Excellent.
SIZE: Medium size parrot approx 10" - 12" 90 - 120 grams
NOISE LEVEL: Considered LOUD by some - but also known as good mimics.
EXTRA COMMENT: In some USA locations, Quakers are illegal - be sure they are leagal in your area before you bring one home. They are prolific breeders and if they escape, they can form very large populations. This could become a problem, which is why some states have laws against them. States in which they are illegal include California, Tennessee, Kentucky, Wyoming, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania and Hawaii. (Please check in your area for updates)
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