Facts About The Eclectus Parrot
The Eclectus Parrot is a favorite among enthusiasts. They are intelligent and beautiful, with brilliant coloration.
- Eclectus parrots are Native to New Guinea and Solomon Islands – as well as some other islands in the vicinity. They are also found in Australia.
- The male and female of the species each dons its own vivid hue – the male, green and the female, blue and shades of red. Scientists first thought that the male and female Eclectus were members of entirely different species of parrot since in most birds, only one sex (usually males) have flamboyant feathers.
- Many native people in the areas where the Eclectus lives have long used the bright feathers for decoration and ritual.
- There are several subspecies of Eclectus Parrot: Grand Eclectus, Vosmaeri Eclectus, New Guinea Red-Sided Eclectus, Solomon Island Eclectus, Tanimbar Islands Eclectus, Australian Eclectus, and Sumba Island Eclectus.
- Eclectus parrots love fruits, flowers, seeds, and nuts. They enjoy eating mangos and guavas, bananas, melons, figs, pomegranate, and just about any other fruit they can get their beak into.
- Eclectus has a longer digestive tract than most other birds.
- Eclectus parrots build large nests high in trees and will lay a pair of white eggs each mating cycle. The female watches over the eggs for around three months while they mature and prepare to hatch. During this time one or more males will provide her with food as they compete for her attention and loyalty. Eclectus parrots are not typically monogamous.
- Eclectus emits two very different calls. The first is an eating song, which is a haunting cry. The other, made only when in flight, is a harsh shriek – shrill and halting. This is a mating call.
- Eclectus parrots can thrive in captivity and make fantastic pets!
- Pet parrots must be given a diverse diet to provide adequate levels of nutrition. Make sure to give them plenty of fresh fruits and greens. They can also eat broccoli and sweet potatoes. They usually like beans, brown rice, nuts, and seeds.
- Eclectus parrots (as well as any other pets) should not be fed chocolate or other candy and “junk” foods. Unfortunately, some owners find it cute to feed their bird these kinds of snack foods and as a result the birds become overweight, unhealthy, and live shorter lives.
- Not providing adequate nutrition for a captive Eclectus Parrot can also result in muscle control problems, manifestations of which include ‘toe tapping’ and other nervous twitches. No such behaviors have ever been witnessed in a wild Eclectus.
- Another problem that can occur with captive Eclectus is “feather-picking,” or otherwise damaging its own feathers. Birds most likely to display these kinds of behaviors are those that don’t receive proper care – not enough attention, bad diet, or an unsuitable habitat.
- When they are properly cared for, pet Eclectus Parrots can thrive. These birds are smart and outgoing, but can also be quite gentle and even shy. Hand-fed birds usually respond better to captive living than those raised by their mother.
- The amount of noise the pet Eclectus makes often depends on the world around it. An Eclectus kept in a quiet home is likely to be rather quiet a good portion of the time, while one kept in a noisy environment may well caw and squawk to compete.
- It’s important to give time and attention to a pet Eclectus Parrot every day. These birds can be affectionate pets, as well as impressive talkers if they are interacted with on a consistent basis.
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