Quaker Parrot Complete Guide: Colors, Care, Cost and Legality
The Quaker Parrot is one of the most talented talking birds in the small parrot world, one of the most affordable medium sized parrots overall, and one of the most legally complicated species to keep as a pet in the United States. This guide walks through everything you should know before buying a Quaker Parrot, including which states allow ownership, how much they cost, what their real personality is like, and honest care requirements.
What is a Quaker Parrot?
The Quaker Parrot (Myiopsitta monachus), also called the Monk Parakeet, is a medium small parrot native to South America, primarily Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, and Uruguay. They are the only parrot species that builds elaborate stick nests in colonies rather than using tree cavities. Feral populations have established in several US cities from released or escaped pets, which is a major reason they are banned in some states.
The name comes from their distinctive ‘quaking’ motion when young, where the whole body trembles rhythmically. Quaker is more commonly used in the US pet trade. Monk Parakeet is used more often by ornithologists and by government agencies.
What does a Quaker Parrot look like?
- Length: 11 to 12 inches
- Weight: 90 to 120 grams
- Body colour: Bright green upperparts
- Face and chest: Distinctive pale grey
- Belly: Pale yellowish green
- Beak: Horn coloured
- Tail: Long and green
Quaker Parrot colour mutations
Beyond the classic green normal, several colour mutations have been developed by breeders. Prices increase for less common mutations.
| Colour Mutation | Description | Price Range |
| Green Normal | Wild type coloration | $300 to $500 |
| Blue | Blue body, white face | $400 to $700 |
| Cinnamon | Softer brown grey base | $450 to $750 |
| Lutino | Yellow body, red eyes (rare) | $800 to $1,500 |
| Pied | Mixed colour patches | $500 to $900 |
| Pallid | Pale washed out coloration | $500 to $900 |
Are Quaker Parrots legal in your state?
This is the single most important question to answer before buying a Quaker Parrot. Because feral Quaker populations have established in several US states, some jurisdictions have banned ownership entirely, while others require permits or specific licensing.
Illegal to own (verify before buying): California, Hawaii, Kansas, Wyoming, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Rhode Island.
Legal with restrictions (permit or registration required): Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Virginia. Rules vary by county and change over time.
Legal without special permit: Most other US states, but confirm with your state’s fish and wildlife department before purchase.
Laws change. Always verify with your state’s wildlife agency or an avian vet before buying. Buying a Quaker Parrot in a state where they are banned can result in the bird being confiscated and euthanized.
Personality and temperament
Quaker Parrots are one of the boldest and most confident small parrots you can own. They are curious, playful, mischievous, and endlessly entertaining. They form strong bonds with their primary human but tolerate other family members better than many small parrots. They are also famously stubborn, and once a Quaker has decided a behaviour is worthwhile, training it out takes patience.
Quakers are also natural nest builders even in captivity, and they will try to build nests from any material they can find (paper, sticks from foraging toys, torn up cage covers). This is a normal species behaviour and worth planning for.
Are Quaker Parrots good talkers?
Excellent for their size. Quaker Parrots typically develop vocabularies of 30 to 60 plus words and phrases, occasionally reaching 100. Their voice is clear enough to understand, and they often use words in context. This makes them one of the best value talking parrots you can buy, though they trail African Greys and Amazons for peak vocabulary and clarity. See our full talking parrots ranking guide for the honest comparison against other species. For African Grey vs other options specifically, see our African Grey vs Amazon comparison.
Are Quaker Parrots loud?
Moderate to loud. Quaker Parrots are not the quietest small parrot, but they are quieter than Sun Conures or Cockatoos. Their calls are sharp and can carry through most apartment walls. Manageable in a townhouse or house; not ideal in a shared wall apartment where noise complaints are a concern.
How much does a Quaker Parrot cost?
Hand raised green normal Quaker Parrots cost $300 to $600 in the US in 2026 from a working aviary. Colour mutations run higher (see table above). Pet stores often mark birds up 40 to 80 percent, pushing retail to $700 or more.
Care requirements
Cage size. Minimum 24 by 24 by 30 inches. Bar spacing no wider than 5 by 8 inch. Quakers are heavy chewers and need a sturdy cage.
Diet. 60 to 70 percent quality pellet, 20 to 30 percent fresh vegetables and small amounts of fruit, 5 to 10 percent seeds and treats.
Out of cage time. At least 3 hours per day of interaction and free flight in a bird proofed room.
Enrichment. Rotate three foraging or chew toys weekly. Provide plenty of shreddable material for nest building instincts.
Sleep. 10 to 12 hours of dark quiet sleep per night.
How long do Quaker Parrots live?
Quaker Parrots typically live 20 to 30 years in captivity with proper care. Some individuals reach 35. For the full lifespan picture across parrot species, see our how long parrots live guide.
Is a Quaker Parrot the right bird for you?
Choose a Quaker Parrot if: you live in a state where they are legal, want an excellent talking bird at a mid tier price, have detached housing or understanding neighbours, and can commit to consistent training and enrichment.
Choose a different species if: you live in California or one of the banned states, want an apartment quiet bird (choose Green Cheek Conure or Cockatiel instead), or want the world’s best talker regardless of price (get an African Grey).
Where to buy a Quaker Parrot
Because California specifically bans Quaker ownership, Mo’s Birds does not currently sell Quaker Parrots. If you are located in a legal state, look for specialty breeders in states like Texas, Florida, and Arizona. If you are looking for a similarly sized alternative that is legal in California and every other state, browse the Mo’s Birds other parrots category or the conures category for medium small parrot options.
Frequently asked questions
Why are Quaker Parrots banned in some states?
Because escaped or released Quakers have established feral colonies in warm US states. State agencies worry these colonies could damage agriculture (grain crops) or displace native birds. This is why California, Georgia, and several other states banned them.
Can Quaker Parrots talk?
Yes, excellently. Vocabularies of 30 to 60 plus words are common with a well socialized bird, and some reach 100 plus words.
Are Quaker Parrots green?
The wild type coloration is green. Selective breeding has produced blue, cinnamon, lutino, pied, and other colour mutations.
Do Quaker Parrots make good pets?
Yes, for the right owner in a legal state. They are affectionate, entertaining, and trainable. They are not the right choice for anyone in a banned state or an apartment with noise concerns.
What is the difference between a Quaker Parrot and a Monk Parakeet?
They are the same species (Myiopsitta monachus). Quaker Parrot is the US pet trade name; Monk Parakeet is the ornithologist and government agency name.
What is the monthly cost of owning a Quaker Parrot?
$50 to $90 per month for food, toy replacement, and vet fund contribution. Reasonable ongoing costs for their size and personality.