The Eclectus Parrot is a colorful and intelligent bird that is popular among bird lovers. It is known for its striking difference in appearance between males and females. Males are bright green while females are mostly red and blue.
These parrots are gentle, social, and enjoy being part of family activities. They are often kept as pets and require a spacious cage, fresh fruits, vegetables, and plenty of interaction.
Images of Eclectus Parrot
Price of Eclectus Parrot
The price of an Eclectus Parrot usually ranges $1,500 to $3,000, depending on age, color, and breeder.
Lifespan of the Eclectus Parrot
Eclectus Parrots live around 20 to 30 years in the wild. They can reach 40 to 50 years in captivity with good care.
Characteristics of the Eclectus Parrot
Eclectus Parrots have various characteristics that set them apart from other parrots.
General Characteristic
Feature in Eclectus Parrot
Scientific Name
Eclectus roratus
Size
Medium-sized parrot, about 17–20 inches long
Color
Males are bright green, females are red and blue
Lifespan
Around 30 years in the USA with good care
Diet
Fresh fruits, vegetables, and pellets are essential
Temperament
Gentle, calm, and can bond strongly with families
Talking Ability
Known for clear speech and learning many words
Habitat in Captivity
Kept as pets in American homes and aviaries
Interesting Facts about the Eclectus Parrot
These unique parrots have fascinating habits and looks.
1. Unique Color Difference Between Males and Females
The male and female Eclectus parrots look completely different. Males are bright green with touches of red and blue. Females are mostly red with a dark blue or purple chest.
This makes them one of the very few parrot species in the world with such striking sexual dimorphism. Bird enthusiasts often find this feature appealing.
2. Calm and Gentle Personality
The Eclectus Parrot is known for its calm and gentle nature. They enjoy spending quiet time with their owners and do not usually scream excessively.
This makes them a favorite among families who live in neighborhoods where noise can be an issue. Their peaceful personality often surprises new bird owners.
3. Highly Intelligent and Quick Learners
The Eclectus Parrot is an excellent talker. They can learn words and phrases quickly when trained with patience. They have a clear voice that often sounds like a human.
Many owners enjoy teaching their Eclectus fun phrases and songs. This helps build a strong bond between the bird and the family. Their intelligence makes them good with puzzles and interactive toys.
4. Preference for a Natural Diet
This bird prefers a diet that closely resembles what it eats in the wild. It eats fresh fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens. The Eclectus thrives on a wide variety of fresh produce, unlike some parrots that rely heavily on seeds and pellets.
Owners often create colorful fruit bowls and veggie mixes for their Eclectus. It keeps the bird healthy but also adds a fun routine to their care.
5. Longer Digestive Tract
Eclectus Parrots have a unique digestive system compared to many other parrots. Their longer digestive tract helps them absorb nutrients better from fruits and vegetables.
This is one of the reasons why they do not do well on a heavy diet. Many bird experts recommend carefully balancing their meals to avoid health issues. This feature makes their feeding routine more specialized than other parrots.
6. Naturally Curious Birds
Eclectus Parrots love to explore and investigate their surroundings. They enjoy climbing, chewing on safe toys, and examining new objects introduced to their cage. They are often seen moving around play stands or bird-safe furniture in homes. Their curiosity makes them fun to watch.
7. Quiet Flyers
The Eclectus Parrot flies quietly. This behavior is fascinating to observe indoors when they glide smoothly from one perch to another. Many owners allow supervised free flight inside their homes. This quiet flying style makes them graceful to have around.
8. Independent Yet Social
These parrots strike a balance between independence and social bonding. They love spending time with their owners, but they can also keep themselves entertained without constant attention.
This makes them easier to care for compared to parrots that demand nonstop interaction. This ability makes them adaptable pets.
9. Remarkable Memory
Eclectus Parrots are known to remember people, voices, and routines for long periods. If a family member is away and returns, the parrot often shows recognition and affection right away.
Many bird owners share stories of their Eclectus recalling past experiences or favorite games after weeks or months. This remarkable memory makes them stand out among parrots.
10. Gentle Beak Behavior
The Eclectus Parrot usually uses its beak more gently rather than biting strongly. They often use it for climbing and exploring rather than aggression. Families with children often feel more comfortable with this species because of its softer beak.
11. Distinctive Eye Colors
These parrots have different eye colors between males and females. Male Eclectus Parrots usually have bright orange eyes, while females often have darker or reddish eyes.
This detail makes them even easier to tell apart at a glance. This feature is often pointed out to help new owners learn how to recognize gender differences in aviaries and pet stores.
12. Natural Nesting Habits
Female Eclectus Parrots spend long periods inside tree hollows, guarding their nests while the males bring them food. Females may show strong nesting instincts, preferring to stay in cozy spaces like boxes or covered areas, even in captivity. This natural behavior often fascinates owners who notice these instincts carrying over from their wild lifestyle.
Sightseeing of the Eclectus Parrot
Eclectus parrots can be seen in well-known zoos.
Location
City/State
San Diego Zoo
San Diego, California
Bronx Zoo
New York City, New York
Audubon Zoo
New Orleans, Louisiana
National Aviary
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Zoo Miami
Miami, Florida
Houston Zoo
Houston, Texas
Los Angeles Zoo
Los Angeles, California
Saint Louis Zoo
St. Louis, Missouri
Honolulu Zoo
Honolulu, Hawaii
Oregon Zoo
Portland, Oregon
Photography tips for Eclectus Parrot
Here are some tips to capture a good photo of these unique birds.
- Use natural daylight to capture the Eclectus Parrot’s bright green and red feathers.
- Keep a calm distance so the bird feels safe and gives natural poses.
- Focus on the eyes, as they bring life and sharpness to the photo.
- Use a quiet camera setting to avoid startling the bird.
- Try outdoor shots in U.S. aviaries or bird sanctuaries for colorful backgrounds.
Final Thoughts about Eclectus Parrot
The Eclectus Parrot is a beautiful and intelligent bird. It has unique male and female differences, a calm nature, and strong bonding with caretakers. It is loved for its gentle behavior, impressive talking ability, and long lifespan. It is a loyal and fascinating companion for families.
FAQs
Q1: How to tell the age of an Eclectus parrot?
Its age can be determined by changes in feather colors (duller in older birds), scratches on the beak, and a change in the beak’s color from bright orange to a dull, yellow hue in males.
Q2: How to bathe an eclectus parrot?
Provide a shallow dish of lukewarm water, use a fine mist spray bottle, or offer a daily shower on a shower perch. Ensure water temperature and environmental conditions are suitable.
Q3: What is the primary diet of the eclectus parrot?
The primary diet for an Eclectus parrot should consist mainly of a high-quality formulated food, supplemented with a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Q4: How big is an Eclectus parrot?
They measure about 35–42 cm (14–17 in) in length.
