Little scientific research has been done on the ecology, biology, and behavior of Monks. Enrique H. Bucher of Argentina is a leading researcher of Monks in their native habitat, and has published studies with J. L. Navarro and M.B. Martella.

Jessica Eberhard, who recently graduated from Princeton, studied Monks for her PhD thesis on the evolution of nesting behavior in Parrots.

In North America, the most comprehensive survey of Monks to date was published in 1998 for the compendium, Birds of North America. This was written by Mark Spreyer, Director of the Stillman Nature Center in Barrington, Illinois, and Enrique Bucher.

In Florida, Texas, and Illinois, there are a few graduate students and undergraduates who are doing studies on the feral Monks in their respective regions. There will be more information about their work as information becomes available.

Until this section is more fully developed, here is a sampling of scientific research papers about Monk Parakeets from around the world. Monks have also established small populations in some areas of Europe, as well as in the USA. Abstracts for some of them have been included.

These references have been provided by Jason South, the webmaster of the Hyde Park Parakeets web site.

Thanks Jason!

Research in the United States

Dumser, Frances M.
The effects of nest presence and group size on the behavior of Quaker Parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus). (1987) iv, 40 leaves; 29 cm.
Note: Thesis (M.S. in biology)--University of Illinois at Chicago, 1987. Bibliography: leaves 39-40. Typescript (photocopy)

Gochfeld, M.
"Ecologic aspects of ectopic populations of monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) and possible agricultural consequences." J. Agric. Univ. P. R. 57 (3): 262-270. Ref. July 1973.

Hyman, J., Pruett Jones, S.
Natural history of the monk parakeets in Hyde Park, Chicago. (1995) Wilson Bulletin 107(3), 510-517. (Dep. Ecol. Evolution, Univ. Chicago, 1101 East 57th St., Chicago, IL 60637, USA.)

Abstract
We studied monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) in Hyde Park, a residential community in Chicago, Illinois. In April 1992, 64 birds were counted at 26 nests in trees, on utility poles, and on an antenna tower. The population increased to 143 birds in July after nestlings fledged. The following spring, 95 birds were still present at the beginning of the breeding season. Both regionally and locally, the dispersion of nests was clumped. Nesting structures contained one to seven active chambers. The parakeets usually foraged in groups of two to 55 birds on plant buds, weeds, and fruits and berries of ornamental shrubs and trees. During the coldest months of the year, December to February, the birds fed almost exclusively on bird seed at backyard feeders. The generality of the Monk Parakeet's diet, their ability to adapt to a variety of habitats, and their apparent great potential for rapid population growth suggest that they will continue their range expansion and population increase in the United States.

Alexandro, P. J.
The social behavior of the monk parakeet. (1978) iii, 56 leaves : ill. ; 29. cm.
Note: Typescript. Thesis (M. Sc.)--Rutgers University. Dept. of Zoology. Bibliography: leaves 55-56.

De Lucca, E. R.
Nesting of the American Kestrel Falco-Sparverius in Monk Parakeet Myiopsitta monachus nests. (1992) Hornero 13 (3). 238-239.
(Grupo Trab. Rapaces Argent., Asoc. Ornitol., Del Plata, 25 de Mayo 749, 2 Piso, 1002 Buenos Aires, Argentina)

Abstract
Personal observations and a series of reports on the nesting of the American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) in Monk Parakeet nests, are commented.

Eberhard, J. R.
Nest adoption by monk parakeets. (1996) Wilson Bulletin 108(2). 374-377.

Lanning, D. V.
NW 353 CLeveland, Pullman, Washington 99163. Distribution and nest sites of the Monk Parakeet in Bolivia. (1991) Wilson Bulletin 103 (3). 366-372.

Abstract
A little-known, distinctive subspecies of Monk Parakeet, Myiopsitta monachus luchsi, was observed during 13 days from December 1981 to March 1982 in the arid intermontane valleys in south central Bolivia. Twenty-seven flocks (2 to 22 parakeets per flock) were observed at elevations between 1300 and 3000 m. Seventeen active stick nests were located on cliffs. No nests were found in trees, where the other subspecies always build their nests. A museum search and literature produced 35 specimens of this subspecies, 32 with specific localities. The known range includes the departments of Chuquisaca, Cochabamba, La Paz, and Santa Cruz.

Martella, M. B., Bucher, E. H.
Vocalizations of the monk parakeet. (1990) Bird Behaviour 8 (2). 101-110.
(Centro deZool. Aplicada, Universidad Nacional de Cordoba, C.C. 122, Cordoba, Argentina)

Abstract
Vocalizations and associated behaviour of the Monk Parakeet Myiopsitta monachus were recorded in the field during the breeding (summer) and non-breeding (winter) seasons. Eleven types of vocalizations, nine in adults and two in nestlings and juveniles, are described; and their functions are discussed in terms of context. Experiments with playback of the recorded vocalizations showed that each one of the calls acted as discrete calls eliciting specific responses from other birds. Most calls were uttered during general social interactions within the colony. This finding suggests that vocal communication in this parrot is very important in maintaining coordination and cohesion among members of a colony that are in constant, close association.

Martin, L. F., Bucher, E. H.
Natal dispersal and first breeding age in monk parakeets. (1993, 1994) Auk, 110 (4). 930-933.
(Centro de Zool. Aplicada, Universidad Nacional de Cordoba, C.C. 122, Cordoba, Argentina)

Navarro, J. L., Martella, M. B., Bucher, E. H.
Effects of laying date, clutch size, and communal nest size on the reproductive success of Monk parakeets. (1995) Wilson Bulletin 107(4). 742-746. (Centro de Zool. Aplicada, Universidad Nacional de Cordoba, C.C. 122, 5000 Cordoba, Argentina)

Navarro, J. L., Martella, M. B., Bucher, E. H.
Breeding season and productivity of Monk parakeets in Cordoba, Argentina. (1992) Wilson Bulletin 104 (3). 413-424. (Centro de Zool. Aplicada, Universidad Nacional de Cordoba, C.C. 122, 5000 Cordoba, Argentina)

Abstract
We studied the breeding productivity of population of the Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) at Arroyito and Jesus Maria, Cordobia province, Argentina. In Arroyito, nests were in introduced eucalyptus trees, whereas in Jesus Maria nesting was entirely in native tree species. Egg laying started on around 1 November, although onset of breeding varied significantly among years within a three-week period. Start of egg laying within the populations was extended for nine weeks on average. The percentage of occupied nest chambers found with eggs was significantly higher at Arroyito (91%) than at J. Maria (overall mean 53%). At Arroyito, mean first clutch size was significantly higher (6 eggs) than at J. Maria (5.4 eggs). Replacement and second clutches were significantly smaller than the first clutches in both areas. Hatching success did not differ between areas (58%, both combined) but differed significantly among years at J. Maria. A higher percentage of nestlings reached fledgling age at Arroyito (53%) than at J. Maria (42%). Mean number of young fledged per breeding pair was 2.2 at Arroyito and 1.4 (overall) at J. Maria (range: 0.5-2.3). The apparent preference exhibited by Monk Parakeets for nesting in eucalyptus against low native vegetation could be a result of the higher productivity of breeding pairs in the former habitat. The monk parakeet has a lower fledging and breeding success than other parrots. Due to its large clutch size, however, it has one of the largest productivities among psittacids.

Peris, S. J., Aramburu, R. M.
Reproductive phenology and breeding success of the monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus monachus) in Argentina (1995) Studies on Neotropical Fauna and Environment, 30(2). 115-119.
(Dep. Zool., Fac. Biol., Univ. Salamanca, 37071 Salamanca, Spain)

Abstract
The breeding biology of the Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus monachus) was studied in Punta Manca, central Argentina (34 degree 56'S, 57 degree 39'W). Observations on 9 communal nests (13 breeding chambers) were made during 1988 and 1989. The median date of the first egg for each year was 14 and 31 October (the median for 2 years was 16 October). Clutch size ranged from 5 to 12 eggs, averaging 6.9. Incubation took 23.6 days and hatching was asynchronous. Mean hatching success for clutches was 52.2%. Only 17% of the nestlings fledged. Only 8.9% of the total eggs laid resulted in fledglings. Predation by Opossums (Didelphis) and Black Rats (Rattus) was the main cause of mortality at nests (82%), but 17.9% of the nestling mortality was due to intraspecific attacks, including sibling aggression.

Caruso, S., Scelsi, F.
Nesting of feral monk Parakeets, Myiopsitta monachus, in the town of Catania, Sicily. (1994) Rivista Italiana di Ornitologia 63 (2). 213-215.
(Via Scuderi 2, 95029 Viagrande, Catania, Italy)

Nos, R., Camerino, M.
Feeding behavior of 5 species of Parrots Aves Psittacidae (1984) Miscellania Zoologica 8. 242-252.
(Dep. d'Ornitologia, Museu de Zoologia, Ap. 593, 08003 Barcelona, Espana)

Abstract
The feeding behavior of some captive parrots belonging to the species Aratinga aurea, Myiopsitta monachus, Nandayus nenday, Pyrrhura molinae and Brotogeris versicolorus is investigated. Three factors and their inter-relations are analyzed: type of feeding (beak or feet), manipulation (left or right foot), and localization (ground or higher level). Parrots preferentially take food with the beak. When manipulating food, specific preferences for left or right foot are detected. All species manipulate food with their right foot when on the ground, and with the left foot when on a higher level. Parrots adapt their behavior to captivity.

Spano, S., Truffi, G.
Records of free-living individuals of Rose-Ringed parakeet Psittacula krameri from Europe with particular reference to presences in Italy and first data on Monk parakeet Myiopsitta monachus. (1986) Rivista Italiana di Ornitologia 56 (3-4). 231-239.
(1st Zool. Dell Univ., Via Balbi 5, 16126 Genova)

Abstract
The current state of knowledge on the occurrence of naturalised populations of the Rose-ringed parakeet in Europe is reviewed on the basis of both published and unpublished data. The species is now currently found in several parts of Great Britain UK, Holland, Belgium, France, W. Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Yugoslavia, Spain, Portugal and Italy. In Italy it was observed in Friuli-Venetia Julia, Venetia, Lombardy, Piedmont, Liguria, Emilia-Romagna, Umbria, Latium, Calabria, Sicily and Sardinia. The presence of yet another species, the Monk Parakeet, is here reported from Belgium, Spain and Italy, where it has bred with some success. The possibility that such cage-escaped birds can successfully acclimatize in W. European regions is obviously connected to their high level of ecological valence.