Feathered Family Inc.

On first sight of an Eclectus parrot many people gasp with surprise. With startling bright colors, and wonderful body stances these birds have a devoted following. Named more for their personalities than their coloration, it is interesting to note that they are different in many ways from other parrots.

In this stunning species of parrot the hen is the dominant one, selecting when to mate and when not to. It becomes easy to sex these beautiful birds when once you learn that the males are green, and the females dusky red. There are many other physical differences also, including the hens completely black beak, while the male has only a black lower mandible when mature. Young male Eclectus parrots also have black beaks, growing out of it as they mature. Eclectus parrots seem to molt more gradually than other parrot species also, and produce less feather dust, making them a good choice for those people who want a parrot but have a dust allergy. Eclectus parrots have unique looking feathers, they have more of a hair like appearance rather than the flat leaf appearance you see on most parrots. Its also been reported that not only do their feathers look like hair, but they feel like hair too. Due to this different feather structure Eclectus parrots enjoy being pet one way only, with the feathers rather than against. Its worth noting that Eclectus parrots are reported to smell like honey.

There are many sub-species of Eclectus parrots, varying in size and coming from different areas of their range. It is interesting to note that among all the sub-species the hens remain the aggressor, while the males tend to be more cautious parrots. Most new Eclectus parrots are cautious, and they are known to enjoy being a part of the activity rather than the center of it. They are also reportedly very sensitive to colors, so its best to observe what you wear and try to keep your parrot comfortable.

With softer voices than Amazons, but clear speech, they have had their voices called seductive. Beware the screams though, these parrots are just as capable of showing their displeasure as any other. Many people who live with companion Eclectus report that their screams sound like a human infant, which can be awful and heartbreaking to hear. Even the diet of the Eclectus parrot differs from other parrots, with their greater need for Vitamin A and they also seem to do well on a greater amount of fruit than other parrots. Like African Greys the Eclectus also needs higher Calcium levels, so you must monitor their diets carefully.

Grand Eclectus (Eclectus Roratus Roratus) - Probably the most common Eclectus available in the U.S.

Red-Sided Eclectus (Eclectus Roratus Polychloros) - The largest of the Sub-species and most colorful, with hens having periwinkle blue eye rings.

Vosmarie Eclectus (Eclectus Roratus Vosmarie) - Reportedly, the male of this sub-species is the most gentle of the bunch.

Solomon Island Eclectus (Eclectus Roratus Solomonensis) - Said to have the best potential for companion parrots, and it has been said that in this sub-species the females may be as gentle as the males.

A very special thanks to Stacy, for her above photos of Cher, A hen Vos Marie Eclectus, and of Pikinini (aka Pickles), a male Solomon Island Eclectus.