Breed profile

Cotorra Argentina (Monje)

The only parakeet that builds communal nests. In the UK it has colonised parks. A regulated invasive species.

Origin: Sudamérica Size: Mediano Lifespan: 15-30 años Energy

Foto: Wikipedia Commons · CC BY-SA

Ideal for

✓Families with time for daily interaction
✓Spacious flats (large birds need a room)
✓Anyone who accepts a decades-long commitment (parrots live a long time)

Reconsider if

×Households with no time to socialise the bird
×Anyone who cannot tolerate noise (all parrots vocalise)
×Flats with no space for flight

Notify me when a Cotorra Argentina (Monje) is up for adoption

We'll only email you when a verified rescue posts one available. No spam, unsubscribe in 1 click.

We'll only use your email for this alert. More info in our privacy policy.

Meanwhile, see all birds up for adoption →

Is the Cotorra Argentina (Monje) a good match for you?

Indicative rating from 1 (low) to 5 (high).

Suitable for flats

Suitable for first-timers

Good with children

With other dogs

With cats

Tolerates being alone

Energy level

Ease of training

Shedding level

Grooming needs

Vocalisation / noise

Ease of handling

Tolerates heat

Tolerates cold

💶 Estimated cost of ownership

30-60 €/month

Pellets, fruit and vegetables: 18-30 €/month. Toys and gnawing/nesting material: 6-12 €/month. Pro-rated annual avian vet: 8-18 €/month. Separately: the initial large cage and, above all, checking the legality of ownership.

History and origin

The only parrot that builds large communal stick nests; native to South America and today an invasive species in many European cities, including across the UK.

Temperament and character

Intelligence varies by species. Parrots form strong bonds with their humans. They need daily mental stimulation · NOT just a cage.

Living together

Children: depends on the species + individual temperament. **Other birds:** best kept in a pair/group (except territorial species). **Larger pets:** avoid — a real risk of predation.

Life stages of the Cotorra Argentina (Monje)

Each stage has its own care priorities. Life expectancy: 15-30 años.

Chick

0-2 months

Rearing, weaning and growth

Juvenile

2-12 months

Moult, socialisation, balanced diet

Adult

1-15 years

Weight control, hepatic lipidosis, managing aggression

Senior

15-30 years

Liver/kidney and joint monitoring

Care

Cage: at minimum twice the size of the bird with its wings spread. A dedicated room is better.

Feeding: SEEDS are NOT a complete diet. A combination of pellets + fresh daily fruit/vegetables.

Free flight: at least 1-2 hours/day outside the cage in a safe area.

Vet: an avian specialist vet (exotic vet). Annual check-up.

Care in detail

🍽️ Nutrition

A pellet base with varied fruit and vegetables; seeds only as a treat. It is very prone to hepatic lipidosis, so it is best to limit fatty seeds (sunflower).

✂️ Grooming

Frequent bathing, nail and beak care. It loves manipulating twigs (it builds nests); offer it safe material to gnaw on.

🎓 Training

Intelligent, manageable and a good talker: it learns words and tricks with positive reinforcement. Very social, it needs daily interaction.

🏃 Exercise

A spacious cage plus 1-3 hours of daily flight; plenty of enrichment, as it is very active and a keen builder.

Breed-specific health

Aspergillosis (fungal infection), psittacosis (chlamydiosis), feather problems caused by stress/deficiencies. Life expectancy 15-30 years with proper care. Before adopting a large parrot, bear in mind you will share your whole adult life with it.

🩺 Health predispositions of this breed

Conditions this breed is more predisposed to. Knowing about them helps with prevention and early detection. A predisposition does not mean the animal will develop them.

🦜Psitacosis (clamidiosis aviar)

Common diseases in birds

Learn the symptoms, prevention and when to see the vet. Reviewed indicative information that does not replace a veterinary consultation.

☠️Intoxicación / envenenamiento 🦴Fractura ósea 🩸Hemorragia (sangrado importante)🦜Psitacosis (clamidiosis aviar)🦜Megabacteriosis aviar 🔥Quemaduras

See all 158 diseases in the health guide

Screening and prevention for the Cotorra Argentina (Monje)

Recommended tests and screenings

✓DNA sexing
✓PCR for PBFD (circovirus) and polyomavirus
✓PCR/serology for psittacosis (Chlamydia psittaci)
✓Faecal Gram stain, blood count and monitoring for hepatic lipidosis

Prevention

A pellet-based diet with fruit and vegetables (it is prone to hepatic lipidosis), daily flight and toys, quarantine of new birds and an annual avian check-up. ALWAYS verify the legal situation before acquiring one.

Check-up schedule

Annual avian check-up with weighing and liver monitoring; watch the plumage for feather plucking.

Warning signs

!Persistent screaming and feather plucking
!Overweight or lethargy (hepatic lipidosis)
!Ruffled feathers and apathy
!Abnormal droppings
!Laboured breathing

Cotorra Argentina (Monje) gallery

Foto de la raza cotorra argentina — Foto: Wikimedia Commons

Frequently asked questions about the Cotorra Argentina (Monje)

How long does a Cotorra Argentina (Monje) live?

▾

The life expectancy of the Cotorra Argentina (Monje) is 15-30 años. A good diet, adequate exercise, annual veterinary check-ups and preventive care can help reach the upper end of that range.

How much does a Cotorra Argentina (Monje) weigh?

▾

An adult Cotorra Argentina (Monje) weighs between 90-150g, depending on its sex, genetics and condition. It is mediano.

Where does the Cotorra Argentina (Monje) breed come from?

▾

The Cotorra Argentina (Monje) originates from Sudamérica. The only parrot that builds large communal stick nests; native to South America and today an invasive species in many European cities, including across the UK.

How much exercise does a Cotorra Argentina (Monje) need?

▾

The Cotorra Argentina (Monje) has media energy. **Cage:** at minimum twice the size of the bird with its wings spread. A dedicated room is better.

Is the Cotorra Argentina (Monje) good with children?

▾

**Children:** depends on the species + individual temperament. **Other birds:** best kept in a pair/group (except territorial species). **Larger pets:** avoid — a real risk of predation.

Who is the Cotorra Argentina (Monje) NOT recommended for?

▾

It isn't the right breed for: Households with no time to socialise the bird. Anyone who cannot tolerate noise (all parrots vocalise). Flats with no space for flight. It's important to choose a breed that's compatible with your lifestyle.

What health problems does the Cotorra Argentina (Monje) have?

▾

Is it legal to keep a monk parakeet in the UK?

▾

This is very delicate: the monk parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) is treated as an invasive alien species, and its keeping, breeding, trade and release are restricted in many countries, including the UK. Only pre-existing specimens are accepted, with documentation, under transitional arrangements. Check the national and local regulations before doing anything.

Why is it considered invasive?

▾

Escapes and releases created large feral colonies in the parks of European and British cities, with agricultural damage, noise and displacement of native wildlife. That is why it is regulated as an invasive species.