Papuan Eclectus Parrot

Fun Facts

Species within the parrot kind often hybridize. Many species of macaws, parrots, cockatoos, and parakeets have interbred both under human care and in the wild.

Male and female eclectus parrots were once thought to be separate species because of their distinct colors. Males are green with blue and red wing feathers and yellow beaks. Females are red with blue underbellies and black beaks.

Males have feathers that reflect ultraviolet light. Though invisible to humans and most predators, it makes them more attractive to females, who can see the colors.

Unlike other parrots, multiple males may bond with one female and cooperatively raise chicks. Females will not leave their tree hollow nests unless threatened, so males are responsible for feeding the mothers and their chicks. Mothers can also bias the sex of their chicks. They will only produce males if resources are plentiful, they have secure nests, and they have enough males to provide for them.

Like all parrots, eclectus parrots are incredibly smart. They can mimic sounds and human speech, solve problems and puzzles, and recognize their own reflections.