Feral Monk Parakeets (Quaker Parakeets) in North America

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Hyde Park Monks feeding on dandelions and summer grass.

Illinois

(information & Hyde Park photos courtesy of Jason South)

There are seven known nesting locations in the state (listed below in alphabetical order), with sightings in three other locations: Fermi National Lab, Addison, and Grant Park. There are also reports of Monk nests in Elmhurst.

The Hyde Park data were collected by Jason South. Suburban data were collected with the assistance of Chicago-area birdwatchers.

Bensenville

2 nests (photos coming soon)

Berwyn
2 nests

Burnham
7 nests

Carol Stream

1 Nest (photos coming soon)

Chicago (Hyde Park)

Winter 1998
Total # of nests = 48
Total # of active nesting chambers = 83
Approx. Total # of parakeets in Hyde Park = 166

"In early summer, the parakeets will also often feed on dandelions. They hop from plant to plant, biting the yellow heads off. As the dandelion supply runs out, they will feed on the seed heads of grass and weeds, especially right near the road where the grass isn't fully mowed." Jason South

Map of nest locations (opens a new browser window)

Note: See more photos at Jason South's web site. Follow the links below, which will open in a new browser window.

53rd and S. Shore Dr. (Harold Washington Park)
56th and Cottage Grove (Dusable Museum of African-American History)
North Washington Park--Pictures on main photo page
Look here for a TOP SECRET IMAGE that was sent to Jason anonymously two and a half months ago. View at your own risk, and make no mention of it or this page -- if you dare to speak of it. No information can be given about its origins or what it may mean.

Wolf Lake

2 nests

Zion

1 Nest (probably abandoned)