The eclectus parrot is a medium sized parrot with a talking ability that rivals the African grey. Unlike other parrots male and female eclectus are easily identified.

The eclectus parrot is a medium sized parrot about the same size as the African grey. Like an African grey the eclectus has excellent talking potential and is highly intelligent. The eclectus (or ekkies as their fanciers call them) is unique amongst parrot species due to the dramatic difference of appearance between the sexes.

The Male Eclectus

The male eclectus is almost entirely green, with vivid red feathers under their wings and one their sides. Depending on the sub species, "eclectus green" ranges from a forest green to emerald. In some subspecies the red feathers are hidden unless the parrot raised his wings. The red sided and vosmaeri sub species, however, often have red feathers visible when the wings are folded.

The male eclectus' upper beak resembles a piece of Halloween candy corn: orange at the top fading to yellow at the beak tip. The lower beak is black.

The Female Eclectus

The female eclectus is so different in shape and color from the male that aviculturists originally thought the two sexes were two different parrot species. Where the male ekkie is green the female is a deep red. her chest, under-wing feathers and sides are blue or purple, depending on the sub species. Females of some sub species, most notably the vosmaeri eclectus may also have yellow tail feathers.

While th male eclectus parrot sports a candy cone beak, the female's beak is entirely black. Even the basic shape of the two sexes is difference. The female eclectus tends to be squatter and broader in the head and body than the male, although there is considerable physical variation from one eclectus to the next.

The Solomon Islands and other Eclectus Homes

The eclectus is an old-world parrot, unlike the better known macaw species. The various subspecies range through the Solomon Islands, Indonesia, new Guinea, and the north of Australia.

Up to ten sub species of eclectus parrot have been identified in the wild (the exact number of subspecies is open to debate). Only four subspecies are widely available through breeders: the Solomon island eclectus, the vosmaeri, the red sided eclectus and the grand eclectus. Of these sub species the Solomon Island eclectus is probably the most popular, although many breeders consider the larger vosmaeri eclectus to be the most beautiful.

Eclectus as Pets

Eclectus, unlike many species of parrot, do not form lifelong breeding pairs like many breeds of parrot. In the wild eclectus young are cared for not only by their parents, but by their extended family in the flock. As a result, eclectus parrots are less likely to become one-person birds when compared to a macaw or cockatoo.

Male eclectus tend to be more laid back than the females. In eclectus society it's definitely the females who are in charge, and female ekkies can be more aggressive and quicker to bite as a result. As with any other parrot, however, the bird's individual personality determines how he or she acts.

Eclectus are inquisitive, intelligent parrots who love to climb and play. While their beaks aren't as hard as, say, and African grey or macaw, eclectus do love to chew, and unless provided with plenty of chew toys will chew on furniture, walls, and other items.

The Talking Eclectus

Some breeders maintain that the eclectus has intelligence and talking ability equal to the African grey. A talking eclectus, male or female, has what some call a "little girl" voice. In addition to talking the eclectus is a natural mimic, capable of imitating other pets, doorbells, phones, and other noises that catch the parrot's attention.

Having said that, some eclectus parrots never learn to talk. There's no guarantee that any parrot—eclectus, African grey, or other species—will have any talking ability. Buying a parrot based on talking ability is always a risk, and talking ability shouldn't be the only reason to purchase a particular parrot species.

Eclectus Bird Cages

Eclectus live under the rain forest canopy in the wild, where they are constantly climbing and exploring. Bird cages for eclectus should reflect this: bird cages should have plenty of room to climb in. As with any exotic bird, the bigger the cage the happier your eclectus will be. At the very least the cage should be three feet wide and tall enough for the bird to flap his or her wings.

Eclectus bird cages are safe places for the parrots when no-one's home: by no means should an intelligent eclectus be confined to its cage all day. An eclectus needs several hours outside of its cage every day to explore and interact with the rest of the family.

Eclectus Diet and Special Needs

Eclectus parrots are more sensitive to nutritional deficiencies than other parrots. Fresh soft fruit and vegetables are necessary parts of an eclectus diet. Eclectus are also very sensitive to mineral supplements and food coloring. While parrot pellets can form part of an eclectus diet, never feed colored pellets.

Eclectus keep their feathers preened with oil instead of feather dust, and have feathers that resemble fur, especially around the face. To keep feathers in good health, regular showers or bathing is required: at least two to three bathings a week.

Depending on diet, care, and the individual parrot an eclectus can live from thirty to forty years. Breeders are increasingly easy to find, and eclectus prices range from $700 to $1,000 depending on location, individual breeders, and the sub species of eclectus.

Resources

Marshall, B. (nd). Eclectus Parrots.

Swicegood, C. (nd). Eclectus Parrots.