Eclectus parrot species, Eclectus parrot sale, Eclectus bird, Behavior
Eclectus parrot cages, Eclectus parrot health, Eclectus bird, Eclectus parrot lifespan, Eclectus parrot sounds

Conservation

Eclectus parrots are not considered threatened in any of their range. They are adaptable birds and deal well with the human encroachment and deforestation in their habitat. The pet trade has not been a problem for these birds, as they breed readily in captivity. Many zoos worldwide exhibit this colorful species.

Behavior

Eclectus parrots are a very conspicuous bird because of their spectacular coloration. In the early morning, pairs and small flocks leave their roosting trees to forage for food in the surrounding forest. Larger flocks may congregate if abundant fruit trees are found. Most of the day is spent feeding, with few periods of rest. At dusk, they return to their roosting trees with the males generally flying ahead of the females. As each group returns, they join the others in screeching and squawking. This loud raucous calling continues until nightfall.

Reproduction and Breeding

Eclectus parrots do not mate for life and often get new mates. A tall tree near the edge of the forest makes the perfect nesting site for these birds. The female incubates the eggs herself, only venturing out to be fed by the male a short distance away. Both parents help care for and feed the chicks. Because of their differently colored feathers (sexual dimorphism), the young can be sexed at three and a half weeks of age.

Amazing Facts

Eclectus parrots are one of the few parrots that are sexually dimorphic!

There are seven different sub-species of eclectus parrots!

When explorers encountered these parrots, the extreme color difference between males and female birds led many to believe they were two species!!

SUBSPECIES

  • Grand Eclectus Parrot Eclectus roratus roratus
  • Vosmaer’s Eclectus Parrot Eclectus roratus vosmaeri
  • Westerman’s Eclectus Parrot Eclectus roratus westermani
  • Red-sided Eclectus Parrot Eclectus roratus polychloros
  • Solomon Island Eclectus Parrot Eclectus roratus solomonensis
  • Australian Eclectus Parrot Eclectus roratus macgillivrayi
  • Aru Island Eclectus Parrot Eclectus roratus aruensis
  • Biak Island Eclectus Parrot Eclectus roratus biaki
  • Tanimbar Island Eclectus Parrot Eclectus roratus riedeli
  • Sumba Island Eclectus Parrot Eclectus roratus cornelia