The Eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus), also known as the eclector parrot, is a parrot native to the Solomon Islands, Sumba, New Guinea and the Maluku Islands in eastern Indonesia. It is sexually dichromatic, with the male being a vivid green and the female a deep red-purple. The Eclectus parrot is one of the most popular parrots in the pet trade.
Physical appearance
The Eclectus parrot is a large parrot, measuring 35-40 cm (14-16 in) in length. The male has a bright green plumage, with a blue head, yellow breast, and red undertail. The female is a deep red-purple, with a blue head, yellow breast, and red undertail. Both sexes have a black beak and black feet.
Sexual dichromatism
The Eclectus parrot is one of the most sexually dichromatic birds in the world. The male and female are so different in appearance that they were once thought to be two different species. The reason for this sexual dichromatism is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to the birds' different diets. The male Eclectus parrot eats mainly fruits and nuts, while the female eats mainly flowers. It is thought that the different diets lead to different levels of carotenoids in the birds' feathers, which results in the different colors.
Behavior
The Eclectus parrot is a social bird that lives in flocks of up to 20 individuals. They are very active and playful birds, and they enjoy flying and climbing. Eclectus parrots are also very intelligent birds, and they are able to learn a variety of tricks.
Diet
The Eclectus parrot is a frugivore, and its diet consists mainly of fruits and nuts. They also eat flowers, seeds, and insects.
Reproduction
The Eclectus parrot breeds in the spring and summer. They build their nests in hollow trees or in the branches of large trees. The female lays two to three eggs, which are incubated by both parents. The eggs hatch after about 28 days, and the chicks fledge after about 12 weeks.
Conservation status
The Eclectus parrot is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN. However, the population of Eclectus parrots is declining due to habitat loss and hunting.