Quaker Parrot or Parakeet?

DAislandR · Nov 30, 2017

Ok, I'm at a loss...
I really would like to know what category these precious fids fall under. It is quite confusing when looking for the right diet. Quaker versus Monk (from scientific name monachus) is enough unnecessary confusion but to place these birds into completely seperate categories is just nonsense. I think it is pertinent to know the true species, especially when deciding on diet.
Can anyone clarify this please?

cnyguy · Nov 30, 2017

Technically, a parakeet is any type of small parrot with a long tail, so either term is correct for a Quaker. In North America, the word "parakeet" is most often associated with Budgerigars, but there are many other kinds of parakeets. When choosing food for a QP, those marketed for Conures and other small parrots are most appropriate.

LordTriggs · Dec 1, 2017

a parakeet literally just means "small parrot" people use it to describe anything smaller than an African Grey

and then with the whole Quaker/Monk thing it's like how a Labrador Retriever is called a Canis familiaris.

Allee · Dec 1, 2017

cnyguy said:
Technically, a parakeet is any type of small parrot with a long tail, so either term is correct for a Quaker. In North America, the word "parakeet" is most often associated with Budgerigars, but there are many other kinds of parakeets. When choosing food for a QP, those marketed for Conures and other small parrots are most appropriate.

Great explanation!

I have three quakers, they're fun to feed now that they've lost their fear of new foods.

DAislandR · Dec 1, 2017

No sir... that is the scientific name of labrador. The scientific name for Monk (Quaker) is Myiopsitta monachus. No Quaker indications there

Terry57 · Dec 1, 2017

I believe the name Quaker came from how the babies have a habit of shaking or "quaking".

DAislandR · Dec 1, 2017

Terry57 said:
I believe the name Quaker came from how the babies have a habit of shaking or "quaking".

Aahh! Thank you Terry57... Now that makes since. It's originally a "nickname"!

Carl_Power · Dec 1, 2017

Terry is absolutly correct and they still Quake in adult life x

Abu Colo · Dec 1, 2017

Personally I'm waiting for someone to name his Quaker "Nixon"

Carl_Power · Dec 1, 2017

Lol. Someone has named their Quaker Odin, how cool is that x

MonicaMc · Dec 1, 2017

You want to talk about confusing? Just look at mutations in various parrots!

Blue cockatiels do exist! They are called "whiteface"! White tailed african grey? Also blue.

Pineapple conure? You mean a cinnamon yellowside? Actually, it's a cinnamon opaline!

It's confusing enough trying to understand genetics, then you throw in nicknames for them too??? lol

Agree, it could be either parrot or parakeet.

I have cared for 10 different species of parrots. Of those species, 8, technically 9, can be classified as "parakeets". The 1 that can't? A lovebird. Short tail. The technical one? Cockatiel. I say technically, because the cockatiel doesn't belong in the "true parrot" family, but rather, in the cockatoo family - therefore, I do not feel that it should be considered a "parakeet", but there are places that do put them under that category.

cnyguy · Dec 1, 2017

If you want to confuse things even further, another (seldom used) name for the QP is Montevideo parrot.

Another explanation for calling them Quaker parrots is that their feathering and coloration is similar to an old-fashioned Quaker costume-- and similarly, it's supposed to resemble a monk's habit as well.

DAislandR · Dec 1, 2017

MonicaMc, I so agree with you! Cockatoo>Cockatiel... I mean it's elementary. Amazes me that people are so bold as to "personally" reclassify these precious creatures. Honestly, I'm not fond of intentional breeding mutations. Thus why I want a natural green quaker. I feel the same about mixed breed dogs like Yorkie-poos. Idk, I feel it dismisses these beautiful animals' true qualities, eloquence... legacy!

Anyways, rant over! I really hope I hear back from JCs soon! I want to know when my baby is born! I'm on a waiting list... no telling how long I'll have to wait. Good thing is, this is usual QP baby time! So I could possibily have Malakai by February... hoping the list isn't too long!

Terry57 · Dec 2, 2017

Fingers crossed you don't have to wait too long!

DAislandR · Dec 2, 2017

Terry57 said:
Fingers crossed you don't have to wait too long!

I know right?! The waiting time should be perfect! I can decide which of the 2 cages I want for Kai, set it up with his perches and toys... That's half the fun of being a new parront! Getting his/her "nest" all ready and cozy!

Terry57 · Dec 2, 2017

You're going to call him Kai? I have a Ki too, his is short for Kimera

DAislandR · Dec 2, 2017

Terry57 said:
You're going to call him Kai? I have a Ki too, his is short for Kimera

Yeah maybe, trying it on for size... But mainly use it in forum lingo when I talk about him All The Time!! Lol!!
Kimera.. That's an awesome name! You did good

Terry57 · Dec 2, 2017

Looking forward to you talking about him all the time!
Poor Ki, we never use his whole name, he is usually Ki Ki..I am really bad about doubling up or poorly rhyming their nicknames..lol.

DAislandR · Dec 2, 2017

I know, me too! I better not start with the nicknames already, he may never catch on to his full name, huh? Haha! Ah well, he'll be happy nonetheless... All my babies are spoiled but well-mannered!

john8terry · Mar 22, 2019

DAislandR said:
Ok, I'm at a loss...

I really would like to know what category these precious fids fall under. It is quite confusing when looking for the right diet. Quaker versus Monk (from scientific name monachus) is enough unnecessary confusion but to place these birds into completely seperate categories is just nonsense. I think it is pertinent to know the true species, especially when deciding on diet.

Can anyone clarify this please?

After much(!) looking around, QPs have 8 common names: Quaker, Monk, Grey-Bellied & Montevideian; to which is added either Parakeet or Parrot. "Parakeet" because the tail feathers are as long as the body, the give-away trait of a parakeet. "Parrot" because of the thicker body of a parrot.
"Grey-Bellied" is obvious. "Montevideian" is more popular in South America because Montevideo, Uraguay, is on the Platte River opposite Argentina. "Monk" comes from the missions set up by Spanish friars in the Platte River valley. These birds saw the missions as "buffets", and began to mimic the friars' chanting, etc. "Quaker" we have a handle on.
Eight common names, one species. At least they don't have Multiple Personality Disorder!

Me? Consuela is a Quaker Parrot.

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Quaker Parrot or Parakeet?

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