Eclectus parrots (Eclectus roratus) are one of the most unusual members of the parrot family. In fact, aviculturist Dale R. Thompson suggests that Eclectus may not be true parrots at all. Regardless of whether Eclectus should be grouped with true parrots or with lories, however, there is no doubt these birds have little in common with their psittacine brethren.
Range and Habitat of the Eclectus Parrot
Eight sub-species of Eclectus parrots are found on New Guinea and the islands that surround it. The ninth sub-species, Macgillivray’s Eclectus, makes its home in a small pocket of northern Queensland, Australia. Like most parrots, the Eclectus parrot dwells exclusively in forests and nests in cavities high in the treetops. Although these birds face habitat loss as forests are cleared to make room for farmland, Eclectus parrots remain common in the wild and are not considered an at-risk species.
Sexual Dimorphism in Eclectus Parrots
Eclectus parrots are sexually dimorphic, which is unusual among parrots, and this dimorphism is so pronounced that male and female Eclectus were thought to be two different species until the early 20th century. Male Eclectus parrots are primarily green and have a yellow-orange beak, while female Eclectus parrots are deep red with a blue or violet chest and have a solid black beak. Even the body shape of male and female Eclectus parrots differs – male birds are longer and slimmer, allowing for swift flight as they gather food, whereas female birds are relatively short and stocky.
Feather Structure and Preening in Eclectus Parrots
Eclectus parrots have a unique feather structure that gives the birds a velvety, slightly furry appearance. Unlike most parrots, their body feathers do not “zip closed” neatly, but consist of loose strands that resemble individual hairs. Eclectus parrots do not practice social preening, and, in fact, preen themselves very little.
Mating Habits of Eclectus Parrots
Pair-bonding among Eclectus parrots is much looser than that seen in other parrots. Male and female birds interact very little outside of their nine-month-long breeding season, and instead form segregated flocks. During breeding season, a single female Eclectus may have several suitors that mate with her and gather food for her and her nestlings. Presumably, many female Eclectus parrots do not reproduce each season.
Female Eclectus parrots remain within their cavity nest for approximately 23 hours a day during breeding season, leaving only to stretch briefly and eliminate. Male birds are not permitted in the nest, and spend most of their time foraging to feed the female and, indirectly, her offspring.
The Eclectus Digestive System
Eclectus parrots have an ultra-efficient digestive system that allows them to receive adequate nutrition from watery, fibrous foods. Their intestines are much longer than those found in other parrots, and they absorb a greater percentage of vitamins and minerals than most other birds. This has serious ramifications for captive Eclectus parrots, as they must be fed a specialized diet high in fruits and vegetables to thrive.
Eclectus Parrots in Captivity
In captivity, Eclectus parrots breed more readily than many other parrot species, although the young can be challenging to rear. Captive-bred, hand-reared Eclectus parrots make excellent pets and are gentler than many other species. However, they must be fed a variety of fresh foods on a daily basis, and for this reason they are considered one of the more labor-intensive pet parrots.
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