Michael L. Avery

Supervisory Research Wildlife Biologist

USDA-APHIS-Wildlife Services 

National Wildlife Research Center

Gainesville, Florida

James R. Lindsay 

Principal Environmental Specialist

Florida Power & Light Company

Juno Beach, Florida

Human-Wildlife Conflicts

Since their introduction to the United 

States in the 1960s, monk parakeets 

(Myiopsitta monachus) have thrived 

(Figure 1). Until recently, annual Christmas 

Bird Count data have shown the 

population to be increasing exponentially. 

In the U.S., monk parakeets are an urban 

and suburban species with few natural 

predators, diseases or other factors 

limiting their population growth. They 

exploit backyard bird feeders and nonnative ornamental plants for food.

Monk parakeets often construct nests on 

man-made structures, such as electric 

utility facilities and cell phone towers. 

Because the birds build and maintain 

nests throughout the year, management of 

parakeet populations has become an 

important issue for utility companies in 

several States. Currently, nest removal and 

trapping are the primary methods for 

managing parakeet damage, Reproductive 

control through contraception shows 

promise for long-term, nonlethal 

population management. 

Wildlife Damage Management 

Technical Series

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service

Wildlife Services

November 2016 Monk Parakeets

Figure 1. Monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus monachus) is an invasive species in the United States. The 

species became established through accidental and 

purposeful introductions.

Quick Links

Human-Wildlife Conflicts 1

Damage Identification 2

Management Methods 3

Economics 5

Species Overview 5

Legal Status 8

Glossary & Key Words 9

Resources 10 

Appendix 11 
Structures

The main conflict associated with monk parakeets in the 

U.S. is their impact on electric utility facilities due to the 

birds’ nest-building behavior and their habit of constructing 

nests on electric utility substations, distribution poles, and 

transmission line towers (Figure 2). In south Florida, 60% 

of the monk parakeet nests in one study were located on 

energized electric utility equipment, 20% on other manmade structures, and 20% in trees. A given substation can 

host more than 30 parakeet nests, with estimated 

parakeet populations greater than 100 birds per site. The 

number of substations with parakeet nests in south Florida 

increased from 38 in 2001 to 62 in 2007. The highvoltage, energized environment around substations makes 

the removal of nests very dangerous unless the substation 

is taken offline─an unlikely occurrence given the 

associated expense and disruption of service to the local 

community. 

The economic impacts due to monk parakeets include 

decreased electric reliability, damage to equipment, lost 

revenue from power outages, and increased costs 

associated with nest removal and repair of damaged 

structures. The frequency of power outages due to 

parakeet nests increases during wet weather. Outages 

result from nesting material completing a circuit between 

two energized components, or between an energized part 

and a grounded part of electrical equipment. The nest itself 

can get too large and complete an electric circuit, or 

individual parakeets carrying nest material can cause a 

short circuit. Resulting fires can damage transformers and 

other utility equipment. Damage management options at 

electric utility facilities vary with the type of facility. Any 

management actions associated with electric utility 

facilities should be carried out by trained utility employees 

or their authorized agents. 

Landscapes

In south Florida, monk parakeets and other birds are 

responsible for damage to tropical fruit crops, such as 

longans and mangos (Figure 3). 

Figure 2. Monk parakeets at a nest in an electric utility substation in south 

Florida.

Page 2

Damage Identification

Figure 3. Monk parakeets feeding in a longan orchard in south Florida.

WDM Technical Series—Monk Parakeets

Monk parakeets are unique among parrots as they use 

sticks and twigs to construct bulky nests which can house 

multiple nesting chambers. Parakeets in south Florida 

build nests principally on man-made structures, such as 

stadium light poles, cell towers, and electric utility 

facilities. 
Electric utility companies remove parakeet nests from their 

structures to maintain service reliability. The birds are also 

sometimes removed with long-handled nets or live traps. 

Combining the removal of nests with the removal of birds 

provides longer-term relief than either approach alone. 

Current management methods have been ineffective at 

preventing parakeets from nesting on substations, 

distribution poles or transmission towers. 

Habitat Modification

Nesting parakeets in south Florida demonstrate distinct 

preferences for certain types of transmission tower 

designs. In 2006, 86% of monk parakeet nests on 

transmission lines were on the H-frame concrete towers 

compared to less than 1% built on H-frame tubular towers. 

The tubular construction creates few flat surfaces and 

angles thereby greatly reducing preferred nesting 

substrates. New construction of transmission lines should 

incorporate such findings and adopt designs shown to be 

unattractive to parakeets. On existing structures, 

management actions are limited to nest removal by utility 

company crews (Figure 4).

Nest removal is the most common method used to 

manage parakeet problems on utility structures. This 

provides only short-term relief, however, because 

parakeets tend to rebuild their nests immediately (Figure 

5). On distribution poles, the most effective control method 

is nest removal, preceded by trapping and euthanizing the 

nesting birds. Implementation of this management 

approach reduced the number of parakeet nests on 

distribution poles in south Florida from 349 in 2001 to 

142 in 2006.

Another management approach is to provide parakeets 

with alternative nest platforms adjacent to distribution 

poles to encourage them to switch nesting locations. This 

approach would not be cost-effective or practical on a large 

scale, but it has been applied with limited success to 

address persistent, isolated problems at specific locations.

Page 3

Figure 4. At electric utility substations, such as this A-frame structure in 

south Florida, monk parakeet nests are an ongoing maintenance concern.

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Management Methods

Figure 5. Removal of monk parakeet nests from electric utility distribution 

poles is a short-term solution as birds quickly rebuild.
Exclusion

No practical means exist for excluding monk parakeets 

from nesting on distribution poles or in substations. 

Electric track or other shock devices have not been 

evaluated for this use. On transmission line towers, 

installation of hard plastic anti-perching cones can be 

somewhat effective. Faulty installation, however, can 

create excellent nesting opportunities for parakeets. On 

distribution poles, parakeets usually start their nests by 

anchoring sticks on the brackets which attach 

transformers and capacitor banks to the pole. Monk 

parakeets may be discouraged from nesting on distribution 

poles by physically blocking their access to the utility wires 

in close proximity to the pole. The birds sit on these wires 

when bringing in nest material. Thus, they would be 

prevented from gaining access to the bracket attachment 

sites where they prefer to initiate their nests. The feasibility 

of applying this approach is unknown.

Scare Devices

At an electric utility substation in south Florida, monk 

parakeets responded to red laser light by leaving the nest 

colony, but the effect was not permanent. In the 4-day 

trial, laser dispersal occurred nightly, but the birds returned 

the next day. 

Repellents

Various audio, chemical, and visual deterrents have been 

tested at substations to deter parakeet nesting, but none 

has proved effective. 

Toxicants

None are registered.

Shooting

The vast majority of monk parakeets in the U.S. nest, feed, 

and fly in populated areas which severely restricts the use 

of firearms to reduce populations. When considering 

firearm use, check local firearm laws and regulations. 

Trapping

Trapping at the nest, with a long-handled net (Figure 6), is 

most effective after dark when the birds are less likely to 

disperse. Birds that are trapped can be humanely 

euthanized using carbon dioxide gas. 

At substations, parakeets can be captured using small, 

baited cage traps. In south Florida, one utility company 

removed hundreds of birds at several substations by hiring 

a private contractor to implement this approach.

Figure 6. Special long-handled nets have been developed for parakeet 

removal at nests.

Page 4

Figures 7 (left) and 8. Remotely triggered spring-loaded trap installed at 

monk parakeet feeding platform. After the observer confirms non-target 

species are not present, the trap is activated and parakeets are captured.

WDM Technical Series—Monk Parakeets
Fertility Control

The oral contraceptive diazacon has shown promise as a 

way to reduce parakeet populations and subsequent nest 

sites. In a 2-year study in south Florida, the number of 

monk parakeet eggs and chicks decreased 68% at 100 

nest sites where birds fed on diazacon-treated bait, 

compared to nest sites where birds did not feed on 

diazacon-treated bait. The use of fertility control is a longterm strategy. For now, this method remains experimental 

as diazacon is not registered with the U.S. Environmental 

Protection Agency. 

Handling

Monk parakeets have strong, sharp beaks and will inflict 

painful bites if handled carelessly. Stout gloves are 

recommended.

Relocation

Relocation is the movement of an animal from one location 

within its home range to another. No data exist to support 

relocation as an effective management strategy. Many 

states prohibit the release of non-native species; several 

states prohibit possession, transport, sale or release of 

monk parakeets. 

Translocation

Translocation is the movement of an animal to a new 

location outside of its home range. Moving an invasive 

species such as the monk parakeet to a new area creates 

new problems. This is not an effective, practical 

management method and is prohibited in many states.

Euthanasia

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) 

approves the use of carbon dioxide gas for euthanizing 

monk parakeets. AVMA also approves the use of cervical 

dislocation, if performed by “well-trained personnel who 

are regularly monitored to ensure proficiency.”

Monk parakeets build and maintain their nests year-round, 

resulting in an ongoing maintenance problem for utility 

companies. Utility companies monitor their systems and 

determine when it is most appropriate to remove nests to 

prevent costly service interruptions. In south Florida, nest 

removal was estimated to cost $415/nest to $1500/nest, 

depending on the specific situation. From 2003 to 2007, 

the removal of 3,126 nests was estimated to cost $1.3 to 

$4.7 million. Monk parakeets nest seasonally, and nest 

removals can often be timed to avoid accidentally 

destroying eggs or nestlings. 

U.S. Department of Agriculture Page 5

Economics

Species Overview

Identification

The subspecies of monk parakeet that exists in the U.S. is 

Myiopsitta monachus monachus.

Physical Description

The monk parakeet, also known as Quaker parakeet, is a 

medium-sized parrot (3 to 4 ounces body mass, 

approximately 11 inches total length). On average, adult 

males are slightly larger than adult females except during 

the breeding season when females slightly increase their 

body mass. Adult males and females are identical in 

plumage. The plumage is green on the back and tail, and 

grayish on the underside. The wings are dull green with the 

outer wing feathers blue. The gray head and breast of the 

species distinguishes it from other parrots in North 

America. The tail is long and graduated, and the bill is thick 

and yellowish brown with a brownish tip. Juveniles 

resemble adults with the exception that the feathers on the 

forehead of juveniles are darker (slate gray) than those of 

adults (gray-white). 

Disposal

Check your local and state regulations regarding carcass 

disposal.
Range

The monk parakeet is native to South America. It is found 

from central Bolivia and southern Brazil south to central 

Argentina. The species has become established in the 

mainland U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, Bahamas, West

Indies, England, Belgium, Italy, Spain, Israel, and 

elsewhere through accidental and purposeful 

introductions. 

The species was imported in large numbers for the pet 

trade and became established in the U.S. during the 

1960s (Figure 9). The monk parakeet first appeared in 

New York in 1968, and was first recorded breeding in 

Florida in 1969. Today, thriving populations of monk 

parakeets occur in several states, particularly New York, 

Connecticut, Illinois, Texas, Louisiana, and Florida 

(Figure 10). 

Voice and Sounds

Monk parakeets produce a variety of vocalizations. 

Distinctive contact calls are especially raucous and can be 

very annoying to homeowners living near to a colony.

Reproduction

Monk parakeets are monogamous. One clutch of 4 to 8 

eggs is produced annually during the spring breeding 

season. The female incubates the eggs and broods the 

nestlings while the male contributes nest materials and 

brings food to the female. 

In Argentina, parakeets do not breed until their second 

year, and then only 50% to 63% of them do so. Each year, 

a substantial number of breeding age birds do not breed. 

Figure 9. Formerly, thousands of monk parakeets were imported to the 

United States from South America each year. 

Page 6 WDM Technical Series—Monk Parakeets

Figure 10. Monk parakeet distribution in North America. 
Nesting 

The monk parakeet is unique among parrots in that it is 

not a cavity-nester, but instead constructs a large, bulky 

nest of sticks and branches. The nest is maintained 

throughout the year and is the focus of the social life of the 

resident pair and its offspring.

Nesting usually occurs in colonies. The colony includes 

single and compound nest structures closely spaced 

among a few trees, or on a cell tower, transmission line 

tower, or electric utility substation. A given compound nest 

structure may contain several chambers, each used by a 

different pair of birds. Massive nests in Argentina 

reportedly contained more than 200 nest chambers and 

weighed hundreds of pounds. Compound nests are 

maintained by all birds using the structure, including nonbreeders.

Mortality

In Argentina, annual survival rates of first-year birds and 

adults were estimated to be 61% and 81%, respectively. 

In South America, monk parakeets are preyed upon by 

raptors, snakes, and white-eared opossum, but no 

documented predation has been reported in the U.S. Fish 

crows remove branches from parakeet nests and stick 

their heads inside, apparently searching for eggs or 

nestlings.

Population Status

In the U.S., monk parakeet populations are tracked 

through the Audubon Society’s annual Christmas Bird 

Count. The overall population has shown exponential 

growth through the early 2000s. More recently, however, 

the trend appears to have turned downward, although the 

reason for this reversal is unknown.

Habitat

In its native range, the monk parakeet typically inhabits 

open savannas and cropland with scattered native trees 

and groves of eucalyptus planted near houses for wind 

breaks. In the U.S., the species favors urban-suburban 

areas where abundant nesting sites and food sources are 

provided by humans. Persistent parakeet populations in 

cities with harsh winters, such as Chicago and New York, 

attest to the species’ ability to adapt and flourish in urban 

environments.

Behavior

Because the monk parakeet builds a nest of sticks and 

branches, it does not compete with other birds for nesting 

cavities. It feeds on a wide variety of seeds, fruits, and 

flowers, and frequents backyard feeders. There is no 

evidence that it competes with native birds for natural food 

sources. Wild parakeets are not known to carry any 

diseases that affect humans or wildlife. In 2004, a 

reported death of a bald eagle nestling may have been due 

to chlamydial infection associated with a monk parakeet 

nest situated at the base of the eagle nest, but no analyses 

were conducted to confirm this. Parakeets occasionally 

build nests at the base of osprey nests. 

In general, movements to feeding sites are short, within 3 

to 5 km (1.8 to 3.1 miles) of the nest colony. In South 

America, juvenile birds generally disperse less than 10 km 

(6.2 miles) from the natal site. In Florida, a median 

dispersal distance of 23.9 km (14.9 miles) was reported.

Page 7

Figure 11. Monk parakeets maintain their nest throughout the year.

U.S. Department of Agriculture
Page 8 WDM Technical Series—Monk Parakeets

Monk parakeets are non-native and not protected by the 

Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Their status at the State 

level varies considerably─from no regulation to complete 

protection. Thus, it is best to consult with the appropriate 

local wildlife management agency before initiating any 

control efforts. The monk parakeet is a popular cage bird, 

and although imports from South America have ceased, 

many are available in the U.S. through captive breeding 

and from individuals who take young birds from nests.

Legal Status

Food Habits

Monk parakeets eat a variety of fruit, seeds, buds, and 

flowers. In its native range, the species is regarded as a 

major pest to crops, such as sorghum, sunflower, and rice. 

To date, widespread crop damage in the U.S. by monk 

parakeets has not materialized as originally anticipated. In 

the U.S., the monk parakeet diet varies seasonally as birds 

exploit the changing availability of native and introduced 

plants. Backyard bird feeders provide reliable sources of 

food, especially sunflower seeds, that are particularly 

important in winter.
Page 9

Acknowledgements

Figure 1. Photo by USDA-APHIS-WS

Figure 2. Photo by Michael L. Avery, USDA-APHIS-WS, NWRC

Figure 3. Photo by Eric Tillman, USDA-APHIS-WS, NWRC

Figure 4. Photo by Michael L. Avery, USDA-APHIS-WS, NWRC

Figure 5. Photos by Michael L. Avery, USDA-APHIS-WS, NWRC

Figure 6. Photo by Eric Tillman, USDA-APHIS-WS, NWRC

Figure 7. Photo by Eric Tillman, USDA-APHIS-WS, NWRC

Figure 8. Photo by Eric Tillman, USDA-APHIS-WS, NWRC

Figure 9. Photo by Christina Romagosa, University of Florida

Figure 10. Map by Birds of North America, The Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Figure 11. Photo by Michael L. Avery, USDA-APHIS-WS, NWRC

Glossary

Electric utility structure: A substation, power distribution 

pole, or transmission line tower. 

Invasive species: A non-native species whose introduction 

does or is likely to cause economic or environmental harm 

or harm to human health. 

Nest removal: Action taken by utility personnel to 

dismantle and dispose of a monk parakeet nest. 

Reproductive control: Delivery of an oral contraceptive to 

monk parakeets to prevent successful breeding; a longterm population reduction management tool.

Key Words

Electric utility structure, invasive species, monk parakeet, 

Myiopsitta monachus, nest removal, reproductive control 

Disclaimer

Wildlife can threaten the health and safety of you and 

others in the area. Use of damage prevention and control 

methods also may pose risks to humans, pets, livestock, 

other non-target animals, and the environment. Be aware 

of the risks and take steps to reduce or eliminate those 

risks. 

Some methods mentioned in this document may not be 

legal, permitted, or appropriate in your area. Read and 

follow all pesticide label recommendations and local 

requirements. Check with personnel from your state 

wildlife agency and local officials to determine if methods 

are acceptable and allowed. 

Mention of any products, trademarks, or brand names 

does not constitute endorsement, nor does omission 

constitute criticism. 

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Avery, M.L. and J.R. Lindsay. 2016. Monk Parakeets. 

Wildlife Damage Management Technical Series. USDA, 

APHIS, WS National Wildlife Research Center. Ft. Collins, 

Colorado. 11p.

Citation
Avery, M. L., J. R. Lindsay, J. R. Newman, S. Pruett-Jones, and E. A. Tillman. 2006. Reducing Monk Parakeet 

impacts to electric utility facilities in south Florida. Pages 125-136 in Advances in vertebrate pest management (C. 

J. Feare and D. P. Cowan, Editors). Volume IV. Filander Verlag, Fürth, Federal Republic of Germany.

Avery, M. L., E. A. Tillman, K. L. Keacher, J. E. Arnett, and K. J. Lundy. 2012. Biology of invasive monk parakeets in 

south Florida. Wilson Journal of Ornithology 124:581-588.

Avery, M. L., C. A. Yoder, and E. A. Tillman. 2008. Diazacon inhibits reproduction in invasive Monk Parakeet 

populations. Journal of Wildlife Management 72:1449-1452. 

Bucher, E. H. 1992. Neotropical parrots as agricultural pests. Pages 201-219 in New World parrots in crisis: 

solutions from conservation biology (S. R. Beissinger and N. F. R. Snyder, editors). Smithsonian Institution Press, 

Washington, DC.

Burgio, K. R., M. A. Rubega and D. Sustaita. 2014. Nest-building behavior of monk parakeets and insights into 

potential mechanisms for reducing damage to utility poles. Peerj no. 2:e601.

Eberhard, J. R. 1998. Breeding biology of the Monk Parakeet. Wilson Bulletin 110:463-473.

Forcey, G., J. Newman, J. Lindsay, and C. Newman. 2012. Spatial modeling monk parakeet distributions on 

electric utility structures in Broward and Dade counties, Florida. Pages 221-229 in Environmental concerns in 

rights-of-way management, Ninth International Symposium (J. M. Evans, J. W. Goodrich-Mahoney, D. Mutrie, and J. 

Reinemann, Editors). International Society of Arboriculture, Champaign, Illinois, USA.

Minor, E. S., C. W. Appelt, S. Grabiner, L. Ward, A. Moreno, and S. Pruett-Jones. 2012. Distribution of exotic monk 

parakeets across an urban landscape Urban Ecosystems 15:979-991.

Neidermyer, W. J. and J. J. Hickey. 1977. The Monk Parakeet in the United States, 1970-75. American Birds 31: 

273-278.

Pruett-Jones, S., C. W. Appelt, A. Sarfaty, B. V. Vossen, M. A. Leibold, and E. S. Minor. 2012. Urban parakeets in 

northern Illinois: a 40-year perspective. Urban Ecosystems 15:709-719.

Smith, D. G. and M. Johnson. 2007. Building artificial nests to save monk parakeets. http://

www.friendsofanimals.org/actionline/winter-2007_08/Artificial_nests.php.

Spreyer, M. and E. Bucher. 1998. Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus). The birds of North America. Number 

322. 

Resources

Page 10 WDM Technical Series—Monk Parakeets
Damage Management Methods for Monk Parakeets

Page 11

Appendix 

 

Type of Control 

 

 

Available Management Options 

 

Exclusion Hard plastic anti-perching cones may exclude monk parakeets from potential nest sites on 

power line transmission towers

Fertility Control Field tests of the oral contraceptive diazacon resulted in 68% reduction in nest productivity. The 

compound is currently not registered with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for monk 

parakeet population control.

Frightening Devices Hand-held laser at nest sites, but its effect is not permanent

Habitat Modification Transmission line towers constructed with tubular girders do not provide suitable nesting 

substrates and are unattractive to parakeets.

Nest Removal Nest removal provides only short-term relief because the birds quickly begin to rebuild.

Repellents Application of methyl anthranilate spray at a substation failed to deter nesting parakeets

Toxicants None registered 

Trapping Long-handled nets to capture birds at nests. Remotely-triggered, spring-loaded traps installed on 

platform feeders and small, baited live traps set on the ground.

Shooting Monk parakeets in the U.S. are found predominantly in urban and suburban locales which limits 

control options with firearms.