Eclectus parrots (Latin: Eclectus roratus).The name of these parrots is derived from the word eclecticism (the combination of different, incompatible, contradictory scientific, artistic theories, concepts, styles, theses, notions). Because these are the only parrots whose males and females differ so markedly not only in appearance but also in character. The males are green, have an orange beak and are quite good natured. The females, on the other hand, are blue-red with a black beak and are often aggressive. Because of these different appearances, females and males have been considered different species for some time.
Eclectus parrots have differently structured, fluffier feathers that look like down, and it is joked that eclectus parrots have fur.
Eclectus parrot character
It is not possible to talk about the general character of Eclectus parrots, as the character of females and males can be as different as night and day. No other parrots have such significant differences between females and males.
Males
are often very quiet, which is why they areor the name of uninteresting parrots. They are probably several times calmer and quieter than other parrots. Nevertheless, they are very intelligent birds, sometimes talkative, and like to play.
Females
Often show territorial aggression, want to dominate. In a pair, the female always dominates. Females have a strong nesting instinct and are constantly looking for a suitable place in the house to nest. Females are usually bred for breeding and not as pets.
This female dominance and tendency towards aggression is naturally developed. Since everything about eclectus parrots is different, it is not surprising that they breed differently. Eclectus parrots live naturally in the wet forests of Indonesia. The female finds a suitable nest site in a hollow tree and spends about 11 months of the year there, protecting her nest from other females.
The males fly around these nests and feed the females. This is why these parrots are polygamous. This mode of reproduction explains not only why females tend to territorial aggression, but also the distribution of colours between the sexes. The red colour of the females camouflages them when they are deep in the hollow of a tree, but when they are perched in the tree at the opening they are clearly visible to the males who feed them and to other females who are looking for the hollows of ships. And the green colour of the males camouflages them in the tree canopy when they fly to the females looking for food.
Another, and as yet unexplained, characteristic of the females is that if two chicks of different sexes hatch, the eclectus female will often throw the male chick out of the nest. This results in more females in the wild and greater competition for nesting sites.
Male and female
If an eclectus parrot in a house shows sexual behaviour or aggression, sometimes more bathing can help to reduce this. This is because eclectus parrots do not breed during the rainy season. The opposite is true for other parrot species.
Eclectus parrot diet
Eclectus parrots are even anatomically different from other parrots because they have a longer digestive tract. They therefore need a LOT of fibrous food, low in fat but high in water and plant sugars. This means that eclectus parrots do not need seeds but lots of fruit and vegetables. It is not cheap for those living in the south to keep such birds, but in Lithuania it can be difficult to give a parrot plenty of fresh, good quality fruit every day. If not fed properly, Eclectus can quickly become ill or start to lose their feathers.
Eclectus parrots’ diet should include:
50% a wide variety of fruit, vegetables and sprouted seeds.
50% OMEGA pellets.
A little – seeds and nuts.
Eclectus parrots live for about 30 years and their diet is difficult to balance, but a hand-fed male Eclectus can make a great pet.