How many species of Eclectus are there?

The genus Eclectus is made up of the single species roratus with ten sub-species of Eclectus parrots generally recognized.  The nominate race is the Grand Eclectus Eclectus roratus.  The other sub-species are Solomon Island Eclectus Eclectus roratus solomonesis, Red-sided Eclectus Eclectus roratus polychloros, Macgillivray Eclectus roratus macgillivrayi, Vosmaeri Eclectus roratus vosmaeri, Aruensis Eclectus roratus aruensis, Westermani Eclectus roratus westermani, Cornelia's Eclectus roratus cornelia, Riedeli's Eclectus roratus riedeli, and Biaki Eclectus roratus biaki.

The four sub-species most commonly found in aviaries in the United States are the Red-Sided, Grand, Vosmaeri and the Solomon Island. 

Where do Eclectus parrots come from?

Eclectus parrots are considered Old World Parrots.  They are found in the Cape York Peninsula area of Australia, New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Indonesian Archipelago islands.

How can you tell the difference between male and female Eclectus? 

Until early in the 20th century, the male and female Eclectus were considered different species.  Eclectus Parrots are sexually dimorphic which means there is a vast color difference between the male and the female. 

Males are predominantly a bright emerald green with bright red under the wings and sides of the body.  Their lower mandible is black and the upper mandible is bright candy-corn colored yellow/orange.

Females are predominantly royal blue, maroon and red.  A fully mature female's upper and lower mandibles are black  

Which female sub-species have the blue eye-ring?

There are three sub-species that have the blue eye-ring, Red Sided, Solomon Island and the Macgillivray.

How can I identify a Solomon Island sub-species?

The Solomon Island is a regional variation of the Red Sided Eclectus and is smaller than all other sub-species with the exception of the Cornelia.  The Solomon Island has a proportionally shorter tail and neck, giving the species a more compact appearance.   The Solomon Island sub-species are approximately 12 inches long. 

The female's abdomen and lower breast are royal blue with a clear separation from the red upper breast, head and nape.   The female's back and wings are crimson red.

The male Solomon Island is bright emerald green with a glowing appearance and red side patches that are longer and wider than any other sub-species. 

Do Eclectus Parrots talk?

Hand-reared Eclectus parrots are normally excellent talkers.  They have the ability to say words and phrases in a clear concise voice.  Their voice is very pleasant and cute -- like a little kid.   Eclectus also have the uncanny ability to say the right thing at the right time.  Many times they appear to understand what you are saying.  Eclectus also have a wide, unusual range of pleasant sounding tones, coos, whistles, comic laughs and what I call monkey noises.

Our Solomon Islands have picked up numerous words and phrases without any speech training.  They have even picked up various phrases straight off of a television program or commercial. 

What do Eclectus Parrots eat?

The most critical element in the care of Eclectus parrots is a well-balanced diet.  The Eclectus digestive system requires a wide variety of food rich in beta-carotene (Vitamin A) on a daily basis.  Fresh fruits and vegetables are extremely important.  Examples include green peppers, carrots, lettuce, corn, peas, apples, melons, oranges, grapefruit, beans, pears, papayas, celery, cucumber, sprouts, sweet potatoes, asparagus, broccoli buds, zucchini, etc.  We also feed our Eclectus hard boiled eggs, pasta, rice,  and cooked chicken or fish.  Cooked food should NOT contain salt or sugar.  Eclectus should also be fed parrot mix seeds/fruits, pellets and Nutriberries.  The Eclectus demands variety.  They will let you know when you are feeding them too much of the same thing.

DO NOT FEED YOUR ECLECTUS OR ANY OTHER PARROT CHOCOLATE, AVOCADOS OR SWEETS OF ANY KIND.  THEY CAN BE TOXIC TO YOUR PET.

What should I do to make my Eclectus comfortable when I bring them home?

Eclectus are very intelligent birds.  They will check things, sit quietly and observe their new surroundings.  It will usually take a little while before they become comfortable enough with you to start being friendly and affectionate.  The male Eclectus is usually more affectionate, and will acclimate quicker than the female gender of the species.  Female Eclectus are generally more cautious.  Every bird is an individual.  Love and affection is the best way to ensure your bird will be a loving and affectionate member of your family.  When you are getting your new Eclectus used to you and your family, speaking softly and directly to him or her is the best reassurance you can give. 

The rule of thumb is to talk to your bird and hand him or her gently.  Treat your bird like it is  a very special member of the household.  Always be gentle!   The way you handle your bird will affect the way your bird treats you.  In the wild, approaching predators are stealthy, quiet and staring.  Most birds respond instinctively with fear to such an approach.    Talk to your bird.   Use a soft voice.......try not to make fast moves....... talk to your bird when you approach him or her.   Say hello.  Ask your bird what it is doing -- does it want to come out?  Speaking to the bird sends the message that it is important to you.  You want them to think that you are fun to be with.  

Once you are buds, just talk to your bird when you enter and leave the room, stop and give it a pat.  That is usually all it takes to keep your Eclectus a happy camper.

How should I handle my Eclectus? 

Baby Eclectus can be quite clumsy and slow.  They use their beaks to balance and steady themselves.  Don't be alarmed when they appear to be reaching for you with their beak, it is only to balance themselves in order to step on to your hand or arm.  Sometimes, it can take a considerable amount of time to step up.   They give the appearance of thinking about it, but eventually, they step up.   As they mature, they can become quite agile.  They are able to quick jump.  Some of ours are able to make very agile jumps and short flights even with clipped wings. 

Most Eclectus parrots would rather avoid being scratched or pet on the head.  Don't do it unless you are on good terms with your bird. They would rather have you gently scratch their belly or under their wings. 

Will my Eclectus bite?

All parrots will bite occasionally.  Eclectus parrots are a very gentle species and will rarely bite unless threatened or defending their food!   An Eclectus baby does not yet know the power of its own beak; however, they will exercise it regularly to find out.  If you are playing with your baby and it unintentionally starts biting hard, try to attract the birds attention elsewhere.  If it bites hard on purpose, say NO in a firm voice and remove your hand from where the parrot can bite.  Try not to make sudden or threatening movements, as this usually just gets the bird more excited.  If they bite you again, tell them NO and put the bird up in its cage for a short while.  It is a kind way to let the bird know that it has to behave a certain way to enjoy the privilege of living in your house.  Sooner or later, your parrot, no matter what species, will try you out.  We call it the terrible 2's.  Just stay firm and loving.  Eclectus parrots are very smart.   Your parrot will get the idea.

Can I potty train my bird?

Eclectus parrots make excellent candidates for "potty training."  Be aware of when the last "poop" was when you pick up your bird.   Most Eclectus can hold it a long time before the next session.  If they get restless or try to fly off of you, they usually need to poop.  Be aware.   If you know your bird needs to go, put him or her in an acceptable place for his business --- when he or she is finished --- tell it what a good bird they are and make a fuss.  They will get the idea.