Eclectus Parrot

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Eclectus Parrot
Eel parrots pair, on the right the male

Eel parrots pair, on the right the male

Systematics
Class : Birds (aves)
Order : Parrots (Psittaciformes)
Family : True parrots (Psittacidae)
Subfamily : Eclectic parrots (Psittaculinae)
Genre : Eclectus parrots
Type : Eclectus Parrot
Scientific name of the  genus
Eclectus
Wagler , 1832
Scientific name of the  species
Eclectus roratus
( Statius Müller , 1776)
female
male
male
Young male with a bill that is not yet completely colored

The Edelpapagei ( Eclectus roratus ) is a colorful parrot with such a pronounced sexual dimorphism that males and females have been previously held for different types. The parrot is the only recent member of the genus Eclectus . A second species, the extinct Polynesian Eclectus Parrot ( Eclectus infectus ) is only known from subfossil bone finds , which are dated to the time of the Lapita culture , and a drawing from the 18th century. The parrot is considered common. In total, no fewer than ten subspecies are distinguished.

Eclectus parrots are large, powerful parrots with a square tail that is proportionally short in relation to their body size. The wings are long and rounded. The small plumage is strikingly shiny. The wax skin is feathered and the beak is large and has a clear notch on the upper beak. They are very loud and are noticeable in the rainforest because of their hoarse call. Eel parrots usually stay in the treetop region and rarely come to the ground.

Eclectic parrots are often kept as aviary birds because of their spectacular plumage and unusual sexual dimorphism. They need spacious aviaries, but are otherwise considered robust and durable. Eclectic parrots kept in human care have already reached an age of more than 30 years.

features

Eel parrots reach a body size of about 35 centimeters and weigh between 440 and 620 grams.

The males have green plumage. The parting and the ear covers are a little bluish. The wing bend, the wing edge and the large wing covers are blue. The outer hand wings are blue-black. The outer flags of the wings are narrowly lined with purple-blue. The remaining flight feathers are purple blue. Only the inner flags are green at the base. The under wing coverts, flanks and the lateral belly are red. The control springs are dark blue or green on top with dark blue tips. The underside of the tail is gray-black. The upper beak is reddish while the lower beak is black.

The female, on the other hand, has a predominantly strong red plumage. It is darker on the back, the wing covers and the thighs. A fine band runs around the eye. They have a wide, violet-blue neck band. There is also a broad, violet-blue band on the stomach. The wing bend, the wing edge, the large wing coverts and the under wing coverts are blue. The outer hand wings are blue-black. The remaining flight feathers are purple-blue, with the inner lugs becoming dull red at their base. The tail is red on top with a broad orange-red tip. The underside of the tail is yellowish orange and ends with a broad orange-red tip. Their beak is completely black. The legs are gray.

The young birds already show the unusually pronounced sexual dimorphism . However, they are overall somewhat dull in color. In young males, the plumage has a bluish tinge, which is particularly noticeable on the underside of the body and the wing covers. In young females, the neck band is a bit faded and has a greenish tinge. In both sexes, the beak is dark brown. The iris is brown.

Occurrence

Eclectic parrots have a relatively large distribution area. It extends from the Moluccas and the Lesser Sunda Islands to New Guinea to the Solomon Islands and the Australian Cape York Peninsula. The population density is not the same everywhere. The main range includes New Guinea and surrounding islands. A small population exists on Cape York in Australia . According to the IUCN, the species is considered harmless. The parrot is an inhabitant of lowland rainforests and mangroves .

Subspecies

A distinction is made between the following subspecies:

  • Aru parrot ( Eclectus roratus aruensis )
  • Biak Eclectic Parrot ( Eclectus roratus biaki )
  • Cornelia Parrot ( Eclectus roratus cornelia )
  • Queensland Eclectus Parrot ( Eclectus roratus macgillivrayi ) - the distribution area of ​​this subspecies exclusively covers the east of the Cape York Peninsula.
  • New Guinea Eclectus Parrot ( Eclectus roratus polychloros ) - the range of this subspecies includes the northwest group of the Torres Strait Islands . These islands belong to the Australian state of Queensland - for this reason the subspecies is counted as part of the Australian avifauna . Its main distribution area is in the lowlands of New Guinea and the coastal islands there.
  • Riedel parrot ( Eclectus roratus riedeli )
  • Ceram parrot ( Eclectus roratus roratus )
  • Salomon's Eclectic Parrot ( Eclectus roratus solomonensis )
  • Halmahera parrot ( Eclectus roratus vosmaeri )
  • Westerman's Eclectic Parrot ( Eclectus roratus westermani ) - this subspecies is only known from 11 museum specimens.

behavior

The parrot is a sociable bird that joins large flocks to sleep and goes for food in pairs or in smaller groups during the day. It feeds on fruits, buds, seeds and nuts. Eclectic parrots are powerful fliers that cover longer distances high above the tops of the rainforest. Your wing beats are far reaching and seem leisurely. The flight is repeatedly interrupted by short gliding phases. The calls of the parrot sound rough and screeching.

Reproduction

Eclectic parrots become sexually mature at the age of two to three years. They reproduce in all seasons and, if the conditions are favorable, also breed twice a year. The female lays two to three eggs in a hollow in a tree, which she incubates for three to four weeks. During this time, the male supplies it with choked up food. Both adult birds take care of the rearing of the young.

supporting documents

Individual evidence

  1. ^ Forshaw, p. 342
  2. ^ Forshaw, p. 336
  3. ^ Forshaw, p. 336
  4. ^ Forshaw, p. 336

literature

Web links

Commons : Edelparrot  - Album with pictures, videos and audio files