Tiny, raucous monk parakeets from South America thrive in Chicago. But why?

Six monk parakeets flutter about near a nest on a tree at the intersection of South Damen Avenue and West 68th Street, Feb. 18, 2026, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Four monk parakeets rest at a nest on a tree at the intersection of South Damen Avenue and West 68th Street in Chicago on Feb. 18, 2026. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Two monk parakeets fly away from a nest at the intersection of South Damen Avenue and West 68th Street in Chicago on Feb. 18, 2026. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

A mural of Harold Washington with monk parakeets in the Hyde Park neighborhood, March 1, 2026, in Chicago. While they are not native to North America monk parakeets are often seen in Hyde Park and other South Side neighborhoods. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

A monk parakeet sits in a tree in the Englewood neighborhood, March 1, 2026 in Chicago. While they are not native to North America monk parakeets are often seen in Hyde Park and other South Side neighborhoods. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)

A student walks past a monk parakeet nest on a tree, top center, at the intersection of South Damen Avenue and West 68th Street in Chicago on Feb. 18, 2026. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Four monk parakeets flutter about near a nest on a tree at the intersection of South Damen Avenue and West 68th Street in Chicago on Feb. 18, 2026. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Two monk parakeets peck at each other in a nest on a tree at the intersection of South Damen Avenue and West 68th Street in Chicago on Feb. 18, 2026. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

A child walks a dog past a tree with monk parakeet nests in the Englewood neighborhood, March 1, 2026, in Chicago. While they are not native to North America monk parakeets are often seen in Hyde Park and other South Side neighborhoods. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune)