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| Common Name: | Eclectus parrots | Family: | Psittacidae |
| Latin Name: | Eclectus roratus | Diet: | Frugivore |
| Type: | Bird | Habitat: | Tropical Rainforests |
| Native To: | Asia | Social Unit: | Group |
| IUCN Red List Status: | Least Concern |
Eclectus parrots at Edinburgh Zoo
Here at Edinburgh Zoo we have a female red-sided eclectus parrot who arrived here in July 2008 from Lisbon Zoo, Portugal. She hatched in October 2006. In March of 2010 she was joined by a male from Beale Park in the UK.
Where it can be found at Edinburgh Zoo
Our red-sided eclectus parrots can be found in the Australasian aviary at the koala exhibit sharing the walk-through with our crested pigeons, green-winged doves, Nicobar pigeons and Victoria crowned pigeons.
Eclectus parrots in the wild
Eclectus parrots (Eclectus roratus) live in the mangroves and tropical forests of north eastern Australia, the Maluku Islands, Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands.
Males and females are very different in appearance. Males are bright green with blue tail feathers; their beaks are orange which fades into yellow towards the tip. Females are covered in brilliant red feathers apart from their chests which are purple, and their beaks are black.
During the day, pairs and small groups of eclectus parrots forage together and will travel great distances to feed before returning to their roosting trees. At night they all join together to form a large flock which can number up to eighty birds. These parrots communicate with each other through a series of calls and screeches - they are usually heard before they are seen. As well as being strong fliers, eclectus parrots are excellent tree climbers and use their beaks and feet to grip the branches.
Eclectus parrots have a mixed diet and feed on blossoms, berries, buds, fruits, nectar, nuts, and seeds. Their favourite fruits appear to be papaya and pomegranates.
The adult male courts his chosen female by making a series of loud calls to her. Once the male has been accepted, the pair find a suitable nest in a tree hole which is then lined with soft pieces of wood. Here the female lays between two and four eggs which she incubates for approximately four weeks. During this time, the male brings her food so she can remain seated on the eggs. Once hatched, the chicks are brought food by both parents. They are covered with fluffy grey feathers with their bright plumage growing in once they are older. At three months old the chicks are able to leave the nest, fly and forage with their parents. The lifespan of the eclectus parrot is approximately thirty years.
IUCN Red List category: Least Concern
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