ECLECTUS
(Eclectus roratus)

The Eclectus is a vibrantly colored species of parrot from the South-western Pacific region whose range includes Austral-Asia. This includes Australia, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Indonesia.
There are nine sub-species of Eclectus that are known to exist. Currently at Keau Manu Aviary we have four of these species that we are working with (Grand Eclectus, Solomon Island Eclectus, Vosmaer's Eclectus and the New Guinea Red-sided Eclectus).
The diet of the Eclectus includes fruits, vegetables, grains, seeds, nuts and flowers. In captivity they are often fed diets rich in seed, nuts and pellets. This is not an ideal diet for this species. Complication arise including obesity, liver failure, and kidney issues. Eclectus have been known to be sensitive to the additives in colored pelleted diets. With the close collaboration of private breeders, zoos and veterinarians the diets have been fine tuned.
The most common Eclectus species in American Aviculture is the Solomon Island Eclectus. Historically seven of the sub-species were kept in the United States. The Biaki and Aruensis sub-species are extremely rare and most are thought to be hybrids. Because so little was known about these birds when they arrived in the United States many sub-species were paired together. Because of this many Eclectus in captivity are hybrids. Identification of these birds can be difficult. There are many identifying characteristics in females but males are a challenge. DNA testing is available but still very expensive and not widely available or used.
Though there is no AZA SSP for this species of parrot they are often kept in zoos. Through dedicated breeders there is hope to keep some of the genetics as pure as possible. This will help to maintain a population of individual sub-species viable outside of their native habitat where they are still poached for the medicine and pet trade in Asia.

Eclectus Sub-species at keau Manu aviary

Grand eclectus
(Eclectus roratus roratus)

The Grand Eclectus is known as the nominate race; there are two races of this subspecies found on the islands of the central and southern Maluku, including Ambon, Buru, and Seram. They are also found on two smaller islands in the Lease Group, north east of Ambon. Grand Eclectus that are living on Seram are smaller in size compared to the birds that are found on Ambon. Males of both races are similar and only vary in size, whereas females differ in their feather coloration to their breast and under-tail coverts. Females found on Seram have a blending of the red and lavender breast feathers similar to the Vosmaer’s subspecies; these females also have more yellowish under-tail feathers. Females found on Ambon are larger and have a distinct separation of the red and lavender breast feathers, forming a bib.

vosmaer's eclectus
(Eclectus roratus vosmaeri)

Vosmaer’s or Vosmaeri Eclectus are the most beautiful member of the Eclectus family; the female is most striking when you see them for the first time. They are found in Indonesia on the islands of Halmahera, Obi, Bacan and Sula in the northern Malukus. Larger than the Grand Eclectus, the Vosmaer’s with her overall red appearance, is paler than the other members of this species, from the blending colours of her breast from pale red to lavender with no defined bib, the yellow under-tail coverts, red tail feathers and bright buttercup yellow band to the tip of the tail. The Vosmaer’s Eclectus Parrot is the most popular subspecies kept in aviculture today.

solomon island eclectus
(Eclectus roratus solomonensis)

Smaller than the New Guinea Eclectus, the Solomon Island Eclectus are 12 inches (32cm) in length. they are found throughout the Solomon Islands east of mainland New Guinea in the Pacific Ocean. This archipelago of islands which includes New Georgia, Malaita, Santa Isabel, Guadalcanal, San Cristobal and Choiseul. This subspecies is also found on Bougainville, New Britain, New Ireland, the Admiralty Islands and throughout the Bismark Archipelago. The Solomon Island Eclectus is regarded as common throughout its range, but the threat of deforestation by multi national logging companies and the current political unrest on some of these islands is of concern. In captivity, the Solomon Island Eclectus is very popular and is a favourite in the United States. There are reports of a variation of size within this subspecies with the birds becoming smaller the further east you travel through these islands, so further study and research is required for this subspecies.

new guinea red-sided Eclectus
(Eclectus roratus polychloros)

Also known as the Red-sided Eclectus, the New Guinea Eclectus is the most common of the nine subspecies, both in captivity and in the wild. The New Guinea Eclectus has the widest range that almost covers the whole of the island of New Guinea, including West Papua and Papua New Guinean side of the border. In captivity they are very popular and are bred in large numbers. Many New Guinea Eclectus are kept as household pets and are popular throughout the world. The New Guinea Eclectus are found throughout mainland New Guinea, the Kai Islands, Trobriand Island and was introduced to Goram Island and to the Palau Islands in the Western Pacific Ocean. This subspecies of Eclectus can be found on many smaller islands around the coast of New Guinea, such as Numfor Island and three of the Torres Strait islands of Boigu, Dauan and Saibai. These three islands are Australian territory. Although the future of the New Guinea Eclectus is very secure both in the wild and captivity we, as breeders of these birds should insure that the subspecies remains pure and discourage crossbreeding.