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Eclectus roratuseclectus parrot

By Aretta Jennings

Geographic Range

The eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus) is found throughout Papua New Guinea and Indonesia. It is common as far east as Sumba and as far west as the Solomon Islands. Other native areas include parts of central Australia as well as the entire coastal area of the continent. Areas where the eclectus parrot have been introduced include Palau, Singapore, and the Goram Islands. (Forshaw, 2010; Jones, et al., 1995)

Habitat

Eclectus parrots are known to reside in densely populated forests, often near water or coastal areas. They are commonly observed in regions that have tropical climates and tall trees. They nest anywhere from 14 to 22 meters above the ground, typically away from the forest interior. The nests tend to have an entrance that is 25-30 cm in length and anywhere from 60 cm to 300 cm deep. Their habitat elevation ranges from 14 meters to 1,000 meters. Eclectus parrots are often seen in flocks, or occasionally alone or in pairs. (Forshaw, 2010; Marsden and Fielding, 1999)

  • Range elevation
    14 to 1000 m
    45.93 to 3280.84 ft
  • Average elevation
    500 m
    1640.42 ft

Physical Description

The eclectus parrot is sexually dimorphic, meaning male and females are differently colored. While both sexes are similar in size the males tend to be larger and the females have brigther plumage. All chicks are hatched with grey down feathers on them. As their feathers start to emerge the sex of the chick can be determined. On average, adult eclectus parrots weigh 500-600 grams and have an average length of between 105-133 millimeters. The wingspans of eclecrus parrots are between 228 millimeters and 247 millimeters. (Cameron, 2012; Forbes, 1877; Forshaw, 2010; Wang, et al., 2012)

The males are primarily green and quite colorful. They have a yellow tinted crown and blue coloring throughout the primaries. Their wing coverts are red, as are the feathers on the underside of the wing.The tail feathers are shades of green, blue, and yellow-ish white towards the tip. The males have grey legs. Their mandible is coral colored on the top and black on the bottom.They are approximately 115-133 mm long. (Cameron, 2012; Forbes, 1877; Forshaw, 2010; Wang, et al., 2012)

The females are noticeably different. They are mostly red, with darker burgundy color on the wing coverts. The breast of the females are dull purple. There are tints on the back and rump. The abdomen of the female is a dull purple, as are the under wing coverts. Their mandible is quite different than the males, being completely black.The females range in size from 105-119 mm in length. (Cameron, 2012; Forbes, 1877; Forshaw, 2010; Wang, et al., 2012)

The nine subspecies of Eclectus roratus can be distinguished based on varying color and relative body size. E. r. vosmaeri are larger in size and are more brightly colored with other pronounced yellow markings on the male and female. E. r. westermani more dull and often considerably smaller. E. r. cornelia is generally larger; males have more green on the dorsal side while females are entirely red with colorful markings. E. r. riedeli is smaller and both male and females have more blue, red, and purple coloring. E. r. polychloros is more brightly colored and larger in size. E. r. biaki is larger, these females have more bright red on their neck. E. r. aruensis differ mostly in coloration. The males have more yellow tails, and the females have more red with less black than do Eclectus roratus they are similar to E. r. polychloros. E. r. macgillivrayi is like E. r. polychloros but larger. E. r. solomonesis resemble E. r. polychloros, but have smaller relative size and have smaller beaks, markings on males tend to be more green than yellow. (Forshaw, 2010)

  • Sexual Dimorphism
  • male larger
  • sexes colored or patterned differently
  • Range mass
    500 to 600 g
    17.62 to 21.15 oz
  • Range length
    105 to 133 mm
    4.13 to 5.24 in
  • Range wingspan
    228 to 247 mm
    8.98 to 9.72 in

Reproduction

These birds are considered polyandrous, meaning the females have multiple partners. This occurs when only one female inhabits an area with multiple females. They can be polygynandrous, which means that there are multiple sexual partners for both male and females. When there are multiple females in an area this may take place. Males and females will compete for reproductive resources for different reasons. Females often are challenging other members of their species as well as other species for nesting. A majority of their time is spent in gamete formation and protection of their egg(s). Their partnerships will be chosen based on the location of a home with enough resources to successfully reproduce. Females will mate with males in an area where food resources and protection is abundant. Males will spend more time looking for females that have desirable traits. In order to attract mates, females may sit in the opening of their hollow and show the bright red feathers of the underwing. Males typically bring food to females who are nesting and will take interest in females using this display of attraction. To get the attention of females, there is a special component to the males’ plumage, UV coloration which appeals especially to female parrots. Most parrots are bonded before their mating, and will reacquaint by preening. Attraction of a mate usually consists of bowing, wing-flapping, and other eccentric behavior to obtain attention. (Heinsohn and Legge, 2003; Heinsohn, 2008a; Heinsohn, 2008b)

Eclectus parrots of both sexes are in competition for the best resources for reproduction. Mates are chosen based on their benefit to successful hatchlings and fledglings. A group may consist of more males than females, due to female competition for dry hollows. Females will incubate the egg(s) for an average of 28 days, while multiple males provide them with food and often protection. They are cooperative breeders. Males have the ability to manipulate their bodies, depending on their environment, in order to camouflage themselves or attract the attention of females. Eclectus parrots nest mainly in tree hollows found throughout the rainforest, close to the ground. Their breeding period is from April to December, depending on the location. In countries further north, the interval may be from May to January. Further south it may be from March to November. The eclectus parrot will have one clutche per breeding season. On average, chicks will fledge at 13 weeks, and become independent on average at 6 months. Males and females are sexually mature at approximately three years of age. (Cameron, 2012; Forbes, 1877; Forshaw, 2010; Heinsohn and Legge, 2003; Heinsohn, 2008b; Heinsohn, 2008a)

  • Breeding interval
    Eclectus parrots mate throughout the breeding season
  • Breeding season
    April-December
  • Range eggs per season
    0 to 3
  • Average eggs per season
    2
  • Average time to hatching
    28 days
  • Average fledging age
    13 weeks
  • Average time to independence
    6 months
  • Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female)
    3 years
  • Average age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male)
    3 years

In this species, both male and females invest in the cycle of reproduction for their young. The females are more likely to incubate the egg and provide food for the hatchlings. Incubation lasts around 28 days. Males are known to bring food to the females during incubation. Not only one male will feed the female, this is because they mate with multiple males from their nesting group. Females invest more time than do males, but males are the more abundant in the group than are females. Females are said to be able to manipulate the sex of their hatchling. There will often be multiple breeding seasons in a row where a female will produce only one sex (male or female). (Cameron, 2012; Forshaw, 2010; Heinsohn, et al., 2007; Heinsohn, 2008b; Heinsohn, 2008a)

  • Parental Investment
  • male parental care
  • female parental care
  • pre-fertilization
    • protecting
      • female
  • pre-hatching/birth
    • provisioning
      • female
    • protecting
      • male
      • female
  • pre-weaning/fledging
    • provisioning
      • female
    • protecting
      • male
      • female
  • pre-independence
    • provisioning
      • female
    • protecting
      • male
      • female

Lifespan/Longevity

Eclectus parrots are known to survive and reproduce for up twenty-eight years in captivity, and anywhere up to fifty years in the wild. The shortest lived eclectus parrots in captivity survived approximately eight years. This may have been due to poor education about the diet of eclectus parrots. The expected lifespan in the wild is higher than that of parrots in captivity. The expected lifespan in captivity is between twenty-three and twenty-eight years. (Brouwer, et al., 2000)

  • Range lifespan
    Status: captivity
    23 to 28 years
  • Typical lifespan
    Status: wild
    50 (high) years
  • Average lifespan
    Status: captivity
    30 years

Behavior

Female eclectus parrots are more timid and often less likely to be seen. This may be due to there being less females than males in a nesting area. Males are seen more often outside of nesting areas than females. It is typical for females to actively look for a hollow to live in because they do not build their own. These birds devote a majority of their time collecting food, eating and resting. Eclectus parrots are very social birds; in order to breed and feed successfully they form flocks. While defending their territory they act aggressively and show an open beak as a way of frightening other members of the species. They will often “hide” their beak, in order to say they are backing down from the confrontation. During reproduction males and females will often flash their bright feathers in order to attract attention. The females will stay with the clutch until it hatches and will be with the chicks until after fledging, at three months, where the fledglings will be primarily taken care of by the males in the nesting group, and females will frequent the nest. Eclectus parrots are known to be loud, noisy birds. They often make calls during flight and while roosting. (Cameron, 2012; Forshaw, 2010; Heinsohn, 2008a; Heinsohn, 2008b; Sparks and Soper, 1990)

  • Average territory size
    3 km^2

Home Range

Males will leave the roosting area in search for food. Their average territory size is 3 square kilometers. (Cameron, 2012; Forshaw, 2010; Heinsohn, et al., 2007; Sparks and Soper, 1990)

Communication and Perception

Eclectus parrots often screech repeatedly when in the air, the sound being something like “krraach-krraak” (Forshaw, 2010). Either a cry or soft whistle-like sound can be heard during feeding. Both sexes have been observed making a “chee-ong” sound, often when they are paired. There are no observed defense sounds. Eclectus parrots use sensitivity to ultraviolet wavelengths to identify mates. They may use this in the acceptance and rejection of eggs as well. Chemical cues used by eclectus parrots include smell. While feeding they are more alert and can detect changes in the immediate area they occupy. While they flock, certain physical ques are used to create a uniform group. This is known as social facilitation (Forshaw, 2010). (Aidala, et al., 2012; Forshaw, 2010; Sparks and Soper, 1990)

Food Habits

Eclectus parrots are herbivores, consuming fruits and berries, nuts, seeds, leaf buds, blossoms, and nectar that they obtain from the canopies of the forest. Some fruits are cracked open and the pulp is eaten, others provide seeds to these parrots. They are known to feed alone, in pairs, or in large groups. Most foraging choices are made based on the abundance of resources. Eclectus parrots often choose their residence nests based on what types of resources are available and whether or not they have a high chance of a predator interference during feeding. Eclectus parrots have a hook shaped beak, the upper mandible extending further than the lower. Parrots use this small extension to crack open seeds or to dig pulp out of fruit. (Forshaw, 2010)

  • Plant Foods
  • leaves
  • seeds, grains, and nuts
  • fruit
  • nectar
  • flowers

Predation

There are few known predators of the eclectus parrots. Falco pergrinus, commonly known as peregrine falcons, and Ninox rufa, rufous owls, are the two common known predators. One anti-predatory adaptation used by eclectus parrots is flocking. Flocks are especially helpful during feeding when the birds would be at their most vulnerable. When faced with an opponent they will flash their beak as a threat. (Cameron, 2012; Heinsohn, et al., 2003; Sparks and Soper, 1990)

Ecosystem Roles

These parrots impact their ecosystems by rarely and unintentionally dispersing seeds from their feedings. Species which eclectus parrots use as resources include trees where they nest. For example, fig trees, milkwood trees, and black bean trees are common nest sites for eclectus parrots. Parasitic species effecting eclectus parrots include a protozoan that causes cysts to form in the abdomen, known as Sarcocystis falcatula. (Muir and Raidal, 2012; Page, et al., 1992; Ramis, et al., 1991)

Commensal/Parasitic Species
  • Protozoan Sarcocystis falcatula

Economic Importance for Humans: Positive

Eclectus parrots are often kept as pets. This trade brings money into areas where these birds are bred and sold. The United States and most other countries only import parrots bred in captivity. This is an attempt to prevent accidental or purposeful releasing of previously captive birds into the wild. (Cameron, 2012; Runde, et al., 2007)

Economic Importance for Humans: Negative

Eclectus parrots are not considered pests in their native range. However, they are known to be agricultural pests in areas where introduced. The Hawaiian Islands where eclectus parrots have been introduced and reproduced successfully, include Hawaii, Kauai, and Oahu. They will feed in agricultural areas, destroying crops and decreasing revenue brought in by farming. Parrots, like many other bird species, carry a bacterium that causes Psittacosis in both humans and Aves. Owners of eclectus parrots may contract this disease, with symptoms resembling the flu. (Cameron, 2012; Runde, et al., 2007)

Conservation Status

Eclectus parrots are of least concern according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The population of eclectus parrots is decreasing due to deforestation and loss of habitat. (Bird Life International, 2012)

Contributors

Aretta Jennings (author), Radford University, Cari Mcgregor (editor), Radford University, Zeb Pike (editor), Radford University, Karen Powers (editor), Radford University, April Tingle (editor), Radford University, Jacob Vaught (editor), Radford University, Tanya Dewey (editor), University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.

Glossary

Australian

Living in Australia, New Zealand, Tasmania, New Guinea and associated islands.

World Map

acoustic

uses sound to communicate

arboreal

Referring to an animal that lives in trees; tree-climbing.

bilateral symmetry

having body symmetry such that the animal can be divided in one plane into two mirror-image halves. Animals with bilateral symmetry have dorsal and ventral sides, as well as anterior and posterior ends. Synapomorphy of the Bilateria.

causes disease in humans

an animal which directly causes disease in humans. For example, diseases caused by infection of filarial nematodes (elephantiasis and river blindness).

chemical

uses smells or other chemicals to communicate

diurnal
  1. active during the day, 2. lasting for one day.
endothermic

animals that use metabolically generated heat to regulate body temperature independently of ambient temperature. Endothermy is a synapomorphy of the Mammalia, although it may have arisen in a (now extinct) synapsid ancestor; the fossil record does not distinguish these possibilities. Convergent in birds.

female parental care

parental care is carried out by females

folivore

an animal that mainly eats leaves.

frugivore

an animal that mainly eats fruit

granivore

an animal that mainly eats seeds

herbivore

An animal that eats mainly plants or parts of plants.

iteroparous

offspring are produced in more than one group (litters, clutches, etc.) and across multiple seasons (or other periods hospitable to reproduction). Iteroparous animals must, by definition, survive over multiple seasons (or periodic condition changes).

male parental care

parental care is carried out by males

motile

having the capacity to move from one place to another.

native range

the area in which the animal is naturally found, the region in which it is endemic.

nectarivore

an animal that mainly eats nectar from flowers

oviparous

reproduction in which eggs are released by the female; development of offspring occurs outside the mother's body.

pet trade

the business of buying and selling animals for people to keep in their homes as pets.

polyandrous

Referring to a mating system in which a female mates with several males during one breeding season (compare polygynous).

polygynandrous

the kind of polygamy in which a female pairs with several males, each of which also pairs with several different females.

rainforest

rainforests, both temperate and tropical, are dominated by trees often forming a closed canopy with little light reaching the ground. Epiphytes and climbing plants are also abundant. Precipitation is typically not limiting, but may be somewhat seasonal.

sedentary

remains in the same area

sexual

reproduction that includes combining the genetic contribution of two individuals, a male and a female

social

associates with others of its species; forms social groups.

tactile

uses touch to communicate

territorial

defends an area within the home range, occupied by a single animals or group of animals of the same species and held through overt defense, display, or advertisement

tropical

the region of the earth that surrounds the equator, from 23.5 degrees north to 23.5 degrees south.

visual

uses sight to communicate

References

Aidala, Z., L. Huynen, P. Brennan, J. Musser, A. Fidler, N. Chong, G. Capuska, M. Anderson, A. Talaba, D. Lambert, M. Hauber. 2012. Ultraviolet visual sensitivity in three avian lineages: paleognaths, parrots, and passerines. J Comp Physiol A, 198: 495-510.

Bird Life International, 2012. "Eclectus roratus" (On-line). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2012: e.T22685022A39008524. Accessed January 27, 2016 at http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012-1.RLTS.T22685022A39008524.en.

Brouwer, K., M. Jones, C. King, H. Schifter. 2000. Longevity records for Psittaciformes in captivity. Internation Zoo Yearbook, 37/1: 299-316.

Cameron, M. 2012. Parrots: The Animal Answer Guide. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press.

Forbes, W. 1877. Recent observations on the parrots of the genus Eclectus. Ibis, 19/3: 274-283.

Forshaw, J. 2010. Parrots of the World. Neptune, New Jersey: Princeton University Press.

Heinsohn, R. 2008. Ecology and evolution of the enigmatic eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus). Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery, 22/2: 145-150.

Heinsohn, R. 2008. The ecological basis of unusual sex roles in reverse-dichromatic eclectus parrots. Animal Behaviour, 76: 97-130.

Heinsohn, R., D. Ebert, S. Legge, R. Peakall. 2007. Genetic evidence for cooperative polyandry in reverse dichromatic eclectus parrots. Animal Behavior, 74/4: 1047-1054.

Heinsohn, R., S. Legge. 2003. Breeding biology of the reverse-dichromatic, co-operative parrot Eclectus roratus. The Zoological Society of London, 259: 197-208.

Heinsohn, R., S. Murphy, S. Legge. 2003. Overlap and competition for nest holes among eclectus parrots, palm cockatoos and sulphur-crested cockatoos. Australian Journal of Zoology, 51/1: 81-94.

Jones, M., M. Linsley, S. Marsden. 1995. Population sizes, status and habitat associations of the restricted-range bird species of Sumba, Indonesia. Bird Conservation International, 5/1: 21-52.

Marsden, S., A. Fielding. 1999. Habitat associations of parrots on the Wallacean Islands of Buru, Seram, and Sumba. Journal of Biogeography, 26/3: 439-446.

Marsden, S., M. Jones. 1997. The nesting requirements of the parrots and hornbill of Sumba, Indonesia. Biological Conservation, 82/3: 279-287.

Mesterton-Gibbons, M., I. Hardy. 2001. A polymorphic effect of sexually differential production costs when one parent controls the sex ratio. Royal Society of London B: Biological Sciences, 268/1474: 1429-1434.

Muir, M., S. Raidal. 2012. Necrotising ventriculitis due to combined infection with Rhizopus microsporus var. chinensis and Candida krusei in an eclectus parrot (Eclectus roratus). Australian Veterinary Journal, 90/7: 277-280.

Page, C., R. Schmidt, J. English, C. Gardiner, G. Hubbard, G. Smith. 1992.

Antemortem Diagnosis and treatment of Sarcocystosis in two species of Psittacines
. Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 23/01: 77-85.

Ramis, A., M. Marlasca, N. Majo, L. Ferrer. 1991. Inclusion body hepatitis (IBH) in a group of eclectus parrots (Eclectus roratus). Avian Pathology, 21/1: 165-169.

Runde, D., W. Pitt, J. Foster. 2007. Population ecology and some potential impacts of emerging populations of exotic parrots. Managing Vertebrate Invasive Species, 42: 337-360.

Sparks, J., T. Soper. 1990. Parrots A Natural History. New York, New York: Facts on File, Inc.

Wang, X., R. Nudds, C. Palmer, G. Dykes. 2012. Size scaling and stiffness of avian primary feathers: implications for the flight of Mesozoic birds. Journal of Evolutionary Biology, 25/3: 547-555.

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