Parrot Species · New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Australia
Eclectus Parrot
Males green, females red and blue — extreme sexual colour dimorphism among parrots.
By the WARN Research & Conservation TeamChecked against IUCN Red List & CITES sourcesLast updated
In brief
The Eclectus Parrot shows the most extreme sexual colour dimorphism among parrots — males vivid green with red and blue wing markings, females red and blue with black beak. Its defining trait is calm temperament relative to size, though wild populations across New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and northern Australia face logging and trade pressure. CITES Appendix II listing applies to all subspecies.
Eclectus Parrot: At a Glance
| Origin | New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Australia |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium (450 g) |
| Typical weight | 430–550 g (15–19 oz); females typically slightly heavier than males |
| Lifespan | 10–80 years depending on species |
| Plumage | Males: emerald green with red underwing and blue flight feathers, candy-corn beak. Females: crimson head and body with royal blue breast and belly, black beak. Subtle subspecies variation in size and blue extent. Feathers need humidity and bathing; low-fat diet maintains sleek plumage unlike seed-heavy parrots. |
| Temperament | Dimorphic, calm for a large parrot |
| Conservation note | Suits experienced parrot keepers seeking a quieter large parrot with consistent handling. Eclectus parrots do poorly on high-fat seed diets and need fresh produce daily. Single birds bond with patient handlers; pairs require large aviaries. Wild birds need intact rainforest — support habitat protection in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. |
History & Origins
Eclectus parrots inhabit lowland and montane rainforest canopy from the Moluccas through New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Cape York Peninsula, Australia. Females nest in deep tree hollows and are fed by multiple males — unusual cooperative breeding among parrots. Early European naturalists initially classified males and females as separate species because of extreme dimorphism. Logging and land conversion threaten subspecies across Indonesia and Malaysia — WARN partner regions — while trapping for the pet trade persists despite CITES Appendix II controls. Captive breeding is well established, producing birds adapted to low-fat, produce-rich diets unlike many parrot species. Eclectus parrots were long considered calm relative to Amazons and macaws, though individual variation and hormonal seasons still demand experienced handling.
Eclectus Parrot Fun Facts
- Male and female eclectus parrots were once thought to be different species because of extreme colour difference.
- Females may be fed by up to five males during breeding — rare cooperative polyandry in parrots.
- Eclectus parrots produce a distinctive honey-like scent from specialised feathers.
- Subspecies vary from the large Vosmaeri eclectus to smaller Solomon Island forms.
Eclectus Parrot Common Health Issues
Conditions seen more often in this breed, and how owners and vets help manage them. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice — always speak to your vet.
Nutritional deficiencies
Eclectus parrots are sensitive to synthetic vitamins and high-fat diets, developing feather discolouration, toe-tapping and liver disease on inappropriate food.
Care: Feed species-appropriate pellets and fresh produce. Avoid fortified seed mixes designed for other parrots.
Feather destructive behaviour
Plucking and chewing develop from diet imbalance, boredom or stress. Eclectus feather colour changes may indicate nutritional problems before bald patches appear.
Care: Review diet with an avian vet experienced in eclectus care. Increase foraging enrichment and rule out pain.
Calcium imbalance
Reproductive females and birds on poor diets develop hypocalcaemia, causing tremors, seizures and egg-binding.
Care: Ensure dietary calcium from leafy greens and appropriate supplementation under avian vet guidance.
Parrots belong in the forest
Every parrot species in this guide is threatened by habitat loss or the illegal pet trade. A gift to WARN helps fund parrot rescue, anti-trafficking work and customs training in Brazil and Colombia.
