| Eclectus Parrot | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific Classification | |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Aves |
| Order | Psittaciformes |
| Family | Psittaculidae |
| Genus | Eclectus |
| Species | E. roratus |
| Conservation Status | |
 Least Concern | |
The Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus) is a parrot native to the Solomon Islands, Sumba, New Guinea, northeastern Australia, and the Maluku Islands.
Male and female eclectus parrots differ greatly when it comes to plumage color where males are a bright green with an orange and yellow beak and females with a red body and head, blue neck, and black beak. These birds are a prime example of sexual dimorphism, the condition where the two sexes of the same species have different characteristics, size, weight, or color. Eclectus parrots are the most sexualy dimorphic of all the parrot species, and are so different in appearance, that the male and female of this species were classified as different species until the early 20th century.
Ecectus parrots live mainly in rainforests where they eat fruits, nuts, and seeds. They nest within hollows on large trees and females defend their nesting spot from other females vigorously, sometimes even fighting to the death. Two eggs are laid in the nest where they are incubated for 28-30 days. Chicks fledge at about 11 months and reach sexual maturity between 2-3 years.