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| A pair of Eclectus Parrots (Eclectus roratus), the male (right - green colour) and female (left - red colour) of the same species at Singapore Zoo. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Uniquely Different Look-
The texture of their feathers appear like suede on their heads, necks, breasts and stomachs because, rather than the usual feather construction, they are made of single hairs that make their overall plumage look wonderfully different from other Parrots. The tail feathers on both male and female have more of the usual feathering which appears more layered.
The male is very flashy with Kelly green over most of its body, brilliant red and blue feathers beneath the wings, an orange beak, and a sleeker body build. Not to be outdone, females have a redhead, with bluish-purple on their back, shoulders, and stomach, a black beak, and a stockier body. Since females tend to be more colourful, they are generally more expensive, but either sex makes handsome pets. And because of the striking differences between them, tests are rarely if ever needed to determine their sex.
The male is very flashy with Kelly green over most of its body, brilliant red and blue feathers beneath the wings, an orange beak, and a sleeker body build. Not to be outdone, females have a redhead, with bluish-purple on their back, shoulders, and stomach, a black beak, and a stockier body. Since females tend to be more colourful, they are generally more expensive, but either sex makes handsome pets. And because of the striking differences between them, tests are rarely if ever needed to determine their sex.
Easy Going Personality-
They fit easily into a routine that is consistent and established early on when they arrive in your home and are more likely to accept various family members rather than bonding with one particularly caregiver. These traits can be helped along by having more than one person in the family interact on a regular basis. Some belief the male to be more gentle, less likely to become neurotic or aggressive because of hormonal changes, therefore making it easier to train. And while these generalizations may often apply, most of it will depend on your bird, as they each have their own personalities.
Eat a Varied Diet-
The Eclectus needs a large number of fruits, vegetables and fibre to provide proper nutrition that will keep them healthy. Sprouted seeds, soaked seeds, and a small portion of a high-quality pellet diet is a good base. (Avoid coloured pellets as they interfere with their ability to produced normal coloured feathers and beak.) Since they are prone to Vitamin A deficiency, dark green leafy vegetables, peppers, and cooked carrots and sweet potatoes are all great natural sources of Vitamin A. Fresh fruits should include but are not limited to apples, bananas, cantaloupe, pomegranate, mango, and watermelon. Organic produce is best.
And while many people see the large amounts of fruits and vegetables needed as a factor that makes them high maintenance, think of this diet instead as an excuse for you to eat healthier as well. Fats and proteins should be given in limited amounts (particularly for mature birds) as they increase cholesterol levels and arterial sclerosis and can contribute to an early death. And in many cases, that's true for the owner as well.
No Feather Dust-Unlike their dustier cousins, the Cockatoos and African Greys, the Eclectus does not produce feather dust because they are equipped with oil glands for preening. This makes them a good choice for those who are allergic.
Extremely Intelligent-
They are able to learn easily and are very sensitive to changes in their surroundings including their owner's moods. This instinctive intuitiveness makes them able to bond more closely with their family which is yet another reason that makes them wonderful companions.
Great Vocabulary-
Buying any bird in hopes that it will speak is a risky proposition at best. And even though these birds are well known for their ability to do so, the only way to make sure your bird will speak is to buy one that already does. With that said, they have a reputation for their fantastic ability to speak with great diction and mimic sounds with great accuracy.
Healthy and Long-Lived-
With a balanced diet, housing that allows them to move and exercise, care that keeps their stress levels low, and consistent maintenance that prevents disease, these parrots can live as long as 50 years!
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