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Naturalized Quaker birds

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Naturalized Quaker Stats

Scientific Name: Myiopsitta monachus
Size: Small, up to 13 inches
Native Region: South America
Life Expectancy: up to 30 years
Noise Level: Low
Talk/Trick Ability: Fair; can develop an extensive vocabulary, but may not have the clearest voice.

Naturalized Quaker Species Profile

Traits: Quakers are play and curious small parrots. They also make good companion pets. They enjoy having a secure nest for playing and roosting, but can become aggressive when defending their territory. They are excellent nest builders and will enjoy shredding paper. These are highly energetic and intelligent pet birds that need plenty of playtime and interaction. Quakers can bond more closely to one person in the household. They can also screech for the person it favors if he or she is not in the room, so socialize your quaker with all family members to avoid potential behavioral problems. Quakers are known for becoming familiar with the daily routines of the people in their environment and often respond accordingly to the situation, such as knowing when their owner is going to work and saying, “Bye.” Quakers are not native to the United States. However, sometime after they were imported in the 1960s, a group or groups of quakers escaped captivity. Now flocks of quakers have adapted into the wild, creating generations of quakers that only know the US as home. These naturalized quakers can be found in Florida, New York, Chicago and Texas. They can also be found in Montreal, Canada and Barcelona, Spain. Sometimes, naturalized flocks of non-native species can cause havoc with native species. With quaker parrots, this isn’t the case. The issue that faces naturalized quakers on the US are their propensity to construct their large, high-rise woven community nests on power lines, which can cause power outages and line fires. Utility companies and quakers supporters sometimes find themselves at odds. The utility companies, in some cases, want the nests removed and the parrots exterminated. The quaker supporters want to find a way to get the parrots off of the utility lines, so the parrots and power companies can continue in peace. This is an ongoing problem still looking for a workable solution to both parties.

Behavior/Health Concerns: In the wild, quakers are prolific nest builders, so in captivity they often become protective of their cage, food dish or homemade nest. Behavior such as territoriality, screeching and other quaker quirks can be modified if owners are consistent about training with their bird. Quakers are also prone to destructive behaviors such as feather picking or self-mutilation, so owners should provide plenty of interaction, socialization and training to minimize these tendencies. Quakers can develop fatty-liver disease, so limit sunflower or safflower seed intake. Offer sprouted seeds, cooked whole grains and pastas and vegetables for a healthy quaker diet.

Expert Advice

“Very intelligent, highly social, and demand to be a part of your daily activities. Very vocal with an amazing ability to talk. They are very active, yet they love to cuddle. The gems of the parrot world, they are large in personality, although not among the larger parrots in stature.”

Vern Gildhouse, Quaker breeder


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