Eclectus Parrot General Info

You thought you’d seen the brightest and most unique colored parrots out there. Think again. The Eclectus parrot is here to steal the show. With their lovable and fun personality and the striking, colorful looks, these birds are amongst the world’s favorite pet parrots that never fail to receive praise and interest. Read on and learn more about these intriguing and flashy showstoppers.

The Eclectus parrot is one of a kind – you haven’t seen such bright and unique colors anywhere else.

Native Region/Natural Habitat

There is plenty of unique birds and animals in southeast Asia and Oceania. The Eclectus species is found in a vast region that includes northeastern Australia, New Guinea, as well as the Sumba, Maluku and Solomon Islands. They love to nest in hollows in the local rainforests. Luckily, their wild populations are stable and abundant, even though they are always targeted, either by farmers or indigenous tribes who hunt them for their colorful plumage.

Overall Description

These are medium-sized parrots, with the adults reaching an overall length of 14 inches (35 centimeters). Eclectus Parrot is one of the world’s most unique parrot species, with extreme differences between males and females. In fact, they are so unlike each other, that they were considered two different species at first! These differences are all color based, and it’s a great help for when you’re choosing your new pet.

Speech and Sounds

Eclectus parrots are known as very intelligent and inquisitive birds. They simply love to learn new words and mimic new sounds, starting when they are very young. These birds are considered to be some of the better talkers in the parrot world and mimics as well. They pay close attention to any commonly heard and repeated sounds, such as alarms, doorbells, phones or the television. Don’t be surprised when you hear your alarm go off or the microwave starts beeping – it might be your pet! They also have a loud natural call that can sometimes be harsh. It is heard most often when your pet is frightened or neglected.

Colors

There is a lot to be said about the colors of these birds, and a lot more to be seen. They are the true definition of exotic and unique parrots. The males are almost entirely bright green – a fascinating color that is almost fluorescent-like. There is a lot of smaller details, like the red and turquoise spots on the lower side of the wing. The beak is yellow on the top half and black on the lower. The females, though, are entirely different. Their heads, back, and breast are strikingly red, while the belly and neck are purple. The beak is entirely black. These colors are not like some other parrots have them – they are uniquely bright and striking. It is a sight like no other.

These exotic and unnaturally bright colors are certain to leave you speechless- Eclectus Parrot can be a striking crimson or a vibrant green, depending on its sex!

Care and Feeding

In the wild, they have a varied diet. It consists of fruits, nuts, flowers and tree blossoms. Commercial seed mixes are a great start, but their real favorites are fresh fruits and vegetables. Bananas, melons, grapes, oranges, and mangos are among their favorite meals and treats. Good hygiene is also a priority. Offer regular showers or bathing dishes which they will simply love. It keeps them satisfied and prevents skin diseases and feather loss.

Health and Common Conditions

Eclectus parrots are known for their endurance and ability to adapt to common conditions. Pay attention to some common threats like excessive heat or extreme cold, drafty and damp places and small places without sunlight. Every parrot should be allowed a great amount of exercise and time outside of the cage. It helps to satisfy their need for energy, fun and social interaction. A bird that is always locked and neglected is at great risk of stress-related illnesses.

Never constrain you parrot to its cage at all times. Allow a lot of sunlight and room to fly and play.

Personality & Behavior

These are one of the more timid parrots out there, even though they are very intelligent and fun. They react to new and stressful situations with a calm and detached manner, which can make them seem dull or uninterested. They are often calm and can play with their toys for a long time. But on the other hand, they can also surprise you with their fun and playful nature, and their cuddly and affectionate personality. Simply put, the Eclectus parrot has all the traits that make it a perfect pet parrot. Add the exotic looks, and it’s easy to see why they’re so popular!

Photo credit: redchanka/BigStock; nutthawit wiangya/BigStock; emranashraf/BigStock