Eclectus parrots
are colorful birds, and males look extremely different from females.
Many people keep parrots, such as the eclectus, as pets. There are a wide range of different eclectus parrot subspecies, many of which live on islands in the South Pacific. Some also live in New Guinea, Indonesia and northern Australia. All eclectus parrots share some common traits, but there are differences in color. There are three eclectus parrot types kept as pets in the U.S.
Eclectus Traits
Before learning about the differences among the subspecies, it's helpful to know the traits common to all eclectus parrots. One is the drastic different colors between the males and females. There are some slight color variations and differences among subspecies, but all eclectus males are primarily green with red feathers under their wings. Their beaks are bright orange. Eclectus females are always red, some as deep as scarlet, depending on the subspecies. Their breasts range from blue to violet, and they have different colored bands on the tips of their tails. Females also have black beaks.
Another characteristic common to all eclectus parrots -- but not other parrots -- is the feather structure on their heads, necks, breasts and bellies. Rather than interlocking feathers, they are hair-like strands.
The Red-Sided Eclectus
The red-sided eclectus is the most common eclectus parrot kept as a pet in the U.S. They're very colorful with some intense vibrant hues. Males have green feathers that are slightly yellowish, with distinct green edging. They have dark blue coverts, the feathers that are only displayed when they spread their wings. Their tails are emerald green with yellow tips and a black underside.
Females have dark blue primary feathers with narrow green edges. They look all "made-up," with a thin ring of blue feathers around their eyes. Spreading their wings reveals bright red on their abdomens, sides and under their wings. The band of feathers that extend to the nape of the neck range from dark blue to violet.
Solomon Island Eclectus
Another parrot kept as a pet is the Solomon Island eclectus. The males are deep dark emerald green with pale blue feathers on the edges of their wings. The females are a lighter red than the red-sided type, with a broader ring of blue feathering around the eyes. Their coverts are pale blue with pale blue edging.
Vosmaeri Eclectus
The third type of eclectus parrot kept as a pet is the vosmaeri, which is the largest of the three. The males are light green with lots of yellow feathers on their back, nape and back of the head. They have extensive red on the sides of their bodies. The females' chests are deep violet. The base of their tail has a yellow band.
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