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DESCRIPTION
14 to 15 inches (35 to 38cm). Because sexes are so differently coloured,
they were once thought to be two species. Male mostly green, female red.
Male's upper mandible is coral with yellow tip, lower mandible almost
black, iris orange and legs grey. Female's beak black, iris yellowish.
Female more dominant than male.
NATURAL DISTRIBUTION
Moluccas, Ceram, Sumba, Halmahera, Solomon Islands, New Guinea and islands,
and northern Queensland (Australia), in 10 subspecies.
HABITAT Forest
and mountain regions up to 3,281 feet (1,000m) elevation. Strong flyers,
they breed high in tree holes several feet deep with entrance more than
65¥2 feet (20m) high.
DIET
The Eclectus Parrot likes Sunflower seeds, millet, canary grass seed,
peanuts, pine nuts, millet spray, cooked rice, fruit, fresh corn on the
cob, green peas, carrots, celery, tomatoes, green food, milk-soaked bread,
raisins, berries, flower buds, lettuce, dandelion, spinach and chickweed.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Imported birds need warm (71°F/22°C) indoor aviaries (only one
pair per aviary), and available fresh water. High vitamin A requirement.
CAGE LIFE
At first the Eclectus Parrot will refuse all food. Female often more delicate
than male, and may stir up trouble in the aviary before settling down
with her partner. Roomy cage at least 1 cubic yard or 13 feet (4m) long
with heatable covered area. Nest box 12 X 12 X 20 inches (30 X 30 X 50cm),
entrance 6 inches (15cm). Lays 2 eggs, incubation 28 day, fledging 10
to 11 weeks.
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