Eclectus Parrot

Eclectus roratus New Guinea & Australia • Extreme Dimorphism
IUCN Status
Least Concern
The Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus) is one of the most visually striking parrots due to its extreme sexual dimorphism. Males are brilliant emerald green, while females are vivid scarlet red with deep blue accents. This dramatic difference led early naturalists to believe they were two different species. Known for their calm, intelligent, and gentle nature, Eclectus parrots make excellent companions when provided with proper diet and enrichment.

General Description

Common Name Eclectus Parrot
Latin Name Eclectus roratus
Family Psittaculidae
Adult Size 35–42 cm (14–17 in)
Weight 400–550 g
Life Span 40–60+ years in captivity
Sexual Maturity 3–5 years
Clutch Size 2 eggs
Natural Habitat Rainforests and woodland edges in New Guinea, Australia, and nearby islands
Origin / Range New Guinea, northeastern Australia, and the Moluccas
Care Level Intermediate • Requires a varied fruit and vegetable diet
Male Eclectus Parrot - Emerald Green
Male • Brilliant Emerald Green
Female Eclectus Parrot - Red and Blue
Female • Vivid Red & Blue

Sexual Dimorphism & Plumage

Male

Brilliant emerald green overall with a bright orange-yellow beak and blue outer wing feathers. Very striking in flight.

Female

Vivid scarlet red head, neck and underparts with deep blue belly and lower back. Beak is black.

This extreme difference in appearance between males and females is one of the most pronounced examples of sexual dimorphism in the parrot family. Juveniles resemble females but are duller.

Conservation Status: Least Concern (IUCN Red List) — CITES Appendix II
Eclectus Genus
New Guinea & Australia
Extreme Dimorphism