How to identify the Eclectus Parrot

To correctly identify the Eclectus Parrot (Eclectus roratus), check each of these features. Birds can be tricky: habit, habitat, and call often confirm a sighting that a single photo cannot.

Size at a glance

Length

35-42 cm (14-17 in)

Wingspan

55-65 cm (22-26 in)

Weight

380-600 g (13-21 oz)

Physical features to check

1. 1

   Plumage

   Overall feather coloration and pattern.

   Males are predominantly bright emerald green with bright red underwing coverts and flanks, and blue primary coverts. Their tail is green with a blue tip and yellow outer feathers. Females are predominantly bright red on the head and body, with a dark purplish-blue mantle, abdomen, and underwing coverts. Their tail is red with an orange tip. Both sexes have a broad yellow band on the underside of the tail.

2. 2

   Beak shape

   Shape and color of the bill: a key field mark.

   Large, robust, and curved. Males have a bicolored beak: upper mandible is orange-yellow fading to yellow at the tip, lower mandible is black. Females have an entirely black beak.

3. 3

   Eye color

   Iris color and any distinctive eye markings.

   Orange-red in adults of both sexes. Juveniles have dark brown irises.

4. 4

   Leg color

   Leg and foot color.

   Dark grey to black

5. 5

   Distinguishing features

   Standout features that separate this species.

   Extreme sexual dimorphism in plumage and beak color. The short, square tail and broad wings are also characteristic.

6. 6

   Juvenile appearance

   How young birds differ from adults.

   Juveniles resemble adults but have duller plumage. Young males have a duller green, and their beak is mostly black with some orange at the base of the upper mandible. Young females have duller red and blue, and their beak is entirely black. Their irises are dark brown, transitioning to orange-red with maturity.

7. 7

   Seasonal changes

   Plumage variation between breeding and non-breeding seasons.

   No significant seasonal plumage changes. Plumage remains consistent year-round.

8. 8

   Sexual dimorphism

   How males and females differ.

   Highly pronounced. Males are green with an orange-yellow and black beak. Females are red and blue/purple with an all-black beak. This is one of the most striking examples of sexual dimorphism among parrots.

Key field marks

• Plumage Coloration. The most definitive identification feature. Males are bright green, females are bright red and blue/purple. No other parrot species exhibits this extreme and consistent sexual dimorphism in such vibrant colors.
• Beak Color. Males have a bicolored orange-yellow and black beak. Females have an entirely black beak. This is a crucial field mark, especially for distinguishing sexes.
• Size and Shape. A relatively large, stocky parrot with a short, square tail and broad wings. Their flight is strong and direct.
• Vocalizations. Listen for their loud, harsh, and often piercing 'chraak' or 'kraaak' calls, especially when in flight or disturbed.
• Habitat. Look for them in the canopy of tropical and subtropical rainforests and lowland forests.

Explore the Eclectus Parrot