Top 10 Smartest Talking Birds In The World
By • Last Updated6. Monk Parakeet
The monk parakeet, commonly referred to as the quaker parrot, is primarily found throughout Europe, as well as in North and South America. Like many other talking birds, monk parakeets need proper care and training to effectively mimic human speech. They are particularly adept at learning and imitating words they hear repeatedly from their trainers.
A well-socialized monk parakeet can effectively use the words it has learned in the appropriate contexts. This is most successful when the trainer pairs specific actions or emotions with the words during the teaching process. In addition to mimicking human speech, these social birds are also capable of imitating various sounds they encounter in their environment.
The monk parakeet, also known as the quaker parrot, is a small, vibrant green parrot with a grayish breast and a greenish-yellow abdomen. It is typically classified as the sole member of the genus Myiopsitta in most taxonomies. Native to the temperate and subtropical regions of Argentina and neighboring countries in South America, self-sustaining feral populations have established themselves in various locations, particularly in North America and Europe.
On average, the nominate subspecies measures about 29 cm in length, has a wingspan of 48 cm, and weighs around 100 g. Females are generally 10–20% smaller but can only be reliably sexed through DNA or feather testing. The parakeet features bright green upperparts, a pale gray forehead and breast with darker scalloping, and light green to yellow underparts. Its remiges are dark blue, and it possesses a long, tapering tail. The bill is orange, and its call is loud and throaty, resembling a chape or quak quaki quak-wi quarr, along with screeches that sound like skveet.
Domestic breeds in colors other than the natural plumage have been developed, including variations with white, blue, and yellow replacing the typical green. Due to the reduced camouflage provided by these colors, feral birds are predominantly of the wild-type coloration.