Eclectus Parrot

The Moluccan eclectus, Eclectus roratus, is a parrot of striking and sexually dimorphic plumage, native to the Maluku Islands. Males are adorned in a bright emerald green, while females boast a vivid red with purple and blue accents.

Identification Tips

Males of this species are primarily green with a yellowish tinge on the head, blue primaries, and red flanks. Their tails have a creamy yellow edge and are dark grey underneath. Females, on the other hand, are predominantly red with a darker back and wings, and purple underwing coverts. Their tails are tipped with yellowish-orange. The male's beak transitions from orange to yellow, while the female's is entirely black.

Habitat

These parrots are denizens of the rainforest, where they nest in tree hollows.

Distribution

The Moluccan eclectus is found on the Maluku Islands, with populations varying in size across the region.

Behaviour

In the wild, these birds are known to be somewhat of a nuisance to fruit farmers, as they feast on the bounty of the trees. They exhibit a complex social structure, with females defending nesting sites and males traveling great distances to provide food.

Song & Calls

The vocalizations of the Moluccan eclectus can be heard on various bird sound platforms, showcasing their communicative nature.

Breeding

The species practices a polygynandrous mating system, with females potentially mating with multiple males, and vice versa. Females are fiercely protective of their nesting sites, which are in high demand.

Similar Species

While there are no similar species mentioned, the Moluccan eclectus is notable for its extreme sexual dimorphism, which initially led to the belief that males and females were different species.

Diet and Feeding

In the wild, their diet consists of fruits, nuts, buds, and seeds. In captivity, they require a high-fiber diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables, supplemented with specially formulated pellets and occasional treats of seeds and nuts.

Conservation status

The Moluccan eclectus is currently listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, indicating that, at present, they are not at immediate risk of decline. However, certain island populations may be rarer and thus of conservation concern.