Visual Differences in Male & Female Quaker Parrots

Quaker parrots (Myiopsitta monachus) also called monk parakeets, originate from Argentina and the surrounding South American countries of Paraguay and Bolivia. The species has been successful globally with feral populations inhabiting North America and Europe. There are three subspecies: Mendoza (M.m calita), Paraguay (M.m cotorra) and Bolivian (M.m luchsi), each differing in size.

  1. Misconceptions about Quaker Sexing

    • Parrot keepers often note that male Quakers tend to be better behaved or more adept at talking and females more unruly. However, this is not based in fact; many accounts from owners tell of finding their lovable, talkative "males" laying eggs!

      Pelvic sexing is not an accurate method of sexing either. This involves feeling how far apart the ends of the pelvic bones are. The theory says that females' pelvic bones are spaced further apart than those of males to allow for the passage of eggs. However, some males have widely spaced pelvic bones and some females' are narrow but become wider in later life.

    Lack Of Dimorphic Traits

    • The Quaker parrot, or monk parakeet, is a monomorphic parrot species, which means it possesses no external characteristics that distinguish male from female birds. Quakers can grow to a maximum of 12 inches and may live as long as 30 years. The typical coloration is green with a grey chest and blue trim. Rarer colorations include blue and yellow.

    Other Visual Identifiers

    • Aside from the expensive and sometimes dangerous methods of DNA and surgical sexing, there are ways to distinguish sex visually. Different behavioral traits can be observed when breeding season arrives. This is springtime for wild Quakers, but it varies for captive birds, as they have no exposure to the seasons and, therefore, don't know when spring arrives.

    Specific Behavioral Traits

    • During the breeding season, males will start their mating dance -- a rapid head-bobbing movement -- and attempt to mate with a female or failing that, their owner. Females can exhibit more aggressive behavior such as nipping, as they become more territorial.

      When kept in pairs, Quaker females will exhibit more aggressive behavioral traits than males. This is common in many parrot species, yet the dominant traits will only appear when females are kept in pairs with another male. Alone there are no distinguishable differences in behavior between the sexes.