Eclectus Parrots

The majestic, and ever so beautiful, Eclectus Parrot is native to Australia and islands north of Australia; New Guinea, Solomon Islands and the Indonesian Archipelago.

The nominate race is the Grand Eclectus (Eclectus roratus roratus).  There are actually nine subspecies, but the most common are:

Indy and Ollie relaxing in their back yard

The Red Sided Eclectus (Eclectus roratus polychoros) - like Indy and Ollie in the picture to the left. The Solomon Island Eclectus (Eclectus roratus solomonensis), the smallest of the Eclectus sub-species. The Vosmaeri Eclectus (Eclectus roratus vosmaeri). An excellent web site on the "Vos" Eclectus is www.landofvos.com This site is owned by Carolyn Swicegood, an exceptionally knowledgeable lady on parrots, and especially the Eclectus.

The name Eclectus, so often mispronounced (correctly pronounced E-KLEK-TUS) comes from the word Eclectic that means from various sources, referring to the disparate colours of the male and female.  The first thing many notice when they first see a pair of Eclectus is the vast contrast in colours of the male and female, in other words sexual dimorphism.

For years, they were thought to be two different species altogether, and it wasn’t until red and green parents were seen tending red and green chicks that it was understood they were actually male and female of the same species of parrots.

Interesting features of the Eclectus are their feathered cere and their hair like feathers, especially noticeable on their heads and breasts.  Eclectus never go into a hard molt but rather drop a few feathers about three times a year, making it almost unnoticeable.

Healthy Eclectus have very vibrant feather coloration and shiny beaks.  I find a healthy diet and a daily misting (using a plant mister) really adds to their feather quality and overall appearance.  Also, they just love it.

HOUSING THE ECLECTUS: Generally speaking, you should purchase the largest cage your pocket book and your house can accommodate.  I personally would hate to see an Eclectus housed in anything smaller than a 24"x36"x48" high cage with 1" bar spacing.  This is the size Indy and Ollie had prior to becoming parents.  Now they have a 6`x8`x7` high flight cage.  Eclectus love toys, which should be, rotated a couple of times a month to keep their interest keen.  Eclectus parrots are extremely intelligent and, like intelligent humans, need interesting things to stimulate them.  Mine love their large selection of toys, play gyms, climbing ropes, and like the TV tuned into children's programs when they are left on their own.