Monk parakeet is a commonly used term for the South American bird species, Myiopsitta monachus. It's also known as the Quaker parakeet, monk parrot, green parakeet, or gray-breasted parakeet in different regions. The names are based on the bird's physical features or the history behind their introduction to different areas. Monk parakeets are popular pets due to their charming, inquisitive nature and their ability to mimic human speech. They are also known for their unique nesting behavior, where they construct large communal nests, called "apartment complexes," that house multiple families. Despite being considered an invasive species in some areas, these birds remain beloved and admired around the world.